Director John Singleton in a Coma After Suffering a Major Stroke
Director John Singleton, whose films include "Boyz N the Hood ," "Poetic Justice," "Shaft," and "2 Fast 2 Furious," is in a coma after suffering a major stroke.
His mother, Sheila Ward, is seeking a temporary conservatorship for his estate. According to CNN, the documents state that the Oscar-nominated director is "currently hospitalized in a coma and is unable to provide for his personal needs" or "manage his financial resources."
According to People, the conservatorship would be established to prevent a "substantial financial loss."
His family confirmed that Singleton, 51, suffered the stroke on April 17. Singleton had checked himself into a hospital after experiencing weakness in his legs after a trip to Costa Rica, according to TMZ.
At the time of his stroke, according to the court filing, Singleton was "engaged in several business projects" and was about to sign "a lucrative settlement agreement." He's the co-creator of the FX series "Snowfall, which was renewed for a third season last year.
He was the youngest person and the first black filmmaker to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar for his groundbreaking 1991 film "Boyz n the Hood."
Among those wishing him well on Twitter was "Selma" director Ava DuVernay, who wrote, "Lifting my highest thoughts + prayers of intercession for John Singleton. His films helped form me. His kindness lifted me up. I remember him coming to the premiere of my indie years ago. Showing love/support for a fellow black director from LA. He is a lovely man. Pray with me."
In an Instagram post, Shonda Rhimes wrote about his generosity and encouragement: "There was a time when I was struggling to pay my bills in film school and not sure this town was for me. And one day, not long after 'Boyz N The Hood' exploded on the scene, my phone rang. It was John Singleton. John did not know me at all. But someone at USC had told him I was talented and he was kindly calling to offer me some words of encouragement. He told me to keep writing. I never forgot it. Praying for him and for his family now."
Nia Long, who costarred in "Boyz n the Hood," also shared her thoughts, saying, " Praying hard this morning for my friend John Singleton."
[Via CNN]