Perry Kurtz Dead from Hit and Run: Comedian and ‘AGT’ Alum Was 73 [Video]

Comedian Perry Kurtz has died at the age of 73.

On Thursday, Aug. 15, the comedian was killed in a hit-and-run in Tarzana, California. Kurtz was on Ventura Boulevard, a main road in the San Fernando Valley, crossing the street when a gray Honda Civic struck him and continued driving, according to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department. 

“Rest in peace Perry Kurtz,” his longtime friend and manager Dante Rusciolelli wrote in a statement to PEOPLE. “Golden Artists Entertainment and myself are devastated by this news. Perry was not only a client, he’s been my friend since 1987. He has been a staple in the Los Angeles comedy community for decades and will be missed.”

“Our prayers are with his family,” Rusciolelli concluded.

According to police, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. When medics arrived, Kurtz was pronounced dead and the suspect was no longer at the scene.

Police said they later located and arrested …