Following a family statement it was confirmed the influential filmmaker John Singleton - known for films including Boyz N The Hood and his remake of detective movie Shaft - has died after been in intensive care following a stroke.
His death came after the Oscar-nominated director's family announced they had taken the "agonising decision" to remove him from life-support.
Singleton, the first African-American filmmaker to be nominated for the best director Oscar with his debut feature Boyz N The Hood, in 1992, "passed away peacefully" shortly after being removed from life support in Los Angeles.
Born in LA, Singleton was considered a trailblazer for African-American directors in the 1990s. Fresh out of college, he also became the youngest ever director to be nominated for the accolade. He also received a second nomination for best original screenplay for the film.
In their statements, the family also took the opportunity to raise awareness around hypertension, or high blood pressure, in the African-American community.
They said the director had "silently struggled" with the condition, and urged people to familiarise themselves with symptoms.
"We are grateful to his fans, friends and colleagues for the outpour of love and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," they said.
"We want to thank all the doctors at Cedars Sinai for the impeccable care he received." Fellow ground-breaking film director, Spike Lee, posted a touching Instagram tribute to the late director, in which he recalled meeting him while he was a film student.
"With His Passion, His Heart, The Way He Talked About His Love For Cinema And Black Folks I Could See John Would Make It Happen, And He Did," the post said.
John was 51.
