Second City comic Michael Lehrer has died at 44 following brave battle with ALS

Comedian Michael Lehrer has died at the age of 44 in Portland, Oregon, following a five-year-plus battle with ALS.

Lehrer’s girlfriend Colette Montague told the Chicago Sun-Times that the ailing comedian chose to end his life with the aid of a doctor.

‘Michael died with dignity on his own terms,’ Montague told the newspaper. ‘He was not suicidal at all. … Medical aid in dying was the hardest decision he ever made.’

The latest: Comedian Michael Lehrer has died at the age of 44 of ALS complications following a five-year-plus battle with the disease. Pictured in 2014 in Chicago

The entertainer, who was part of The Second City troupe, continued with his career following his 2017 diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease.

Lehrer had performed in a wheelchair in clubs in Austin, Texas, and spoke about his health battle both in his sets and on the podcast Kill Tony, Deadline reported. 

He is survived by his son Colin and girlfriend Colette.

A memorial post on Lehrer’s Instagram account read: ‘The final act – watch for the sequel. Godspeed you wild and crazy man. We love you always, and are grateful for all you’ve given to the world.’