Ian Cognito, R.I.P. (1958-2019)

Readers of my 2017 novel UNTIL THE LAST DOG DIES might be interested in the following BBC new article entitled "Ian Cognito: Comedian Dies On Stage In Bicester":

Veteran stand-up comedian Ian Cognito has died on stage during a performance.

The 60-year-old comic sat down on a stool while breathing heavily, before falling silent for five minutes during his show on Thursday.

Compere Andrew Bird said the crowd at the The Atic bar in Bicester had thought it was a joke, and continued to laugh, unaware something was wrong.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed Cognito was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Bird, who runs the Lone Wolf Comedy Club event at the venue, said Cognito had not been feeling well before the gig started, but insisted on going on stage.

"He was like his old self, his voice was loud. I was thinking 'he's having such a good gig'," Mr Bird said.

Mr Bird said Cognito had even joked about his health during his set, telling the audience: "Imagine if I died in front of you lot here."

It was Mr Bird who first went on stage to check if his fellow comedian was ok.

"Everyone in the crowd, me included, thought he was joking," he said.

"Even when I walked on stage and touched his arm I was expecting him to say 'boo'."

To read the entire article, click HERE.