Comedian Greg Giraldo dies, aged 44

Greg Giraldo has died at the age of 44.

The American comedian was pronounced dead on Wednesday, just days after he was hospitalised following an accidental drug overdose.

According to WENN, Giraldo was found unconscious by a friend after mixing up prescription medication on Saturday night.

Giraldo was best known for judging NBC's Last Comic Standing, as well as participating in a number of celebrity roasts for Comedy Central.

Producers of Last Comic Standing commented: "Greg was one of the most talented comedians of our time. He was truly brilliant. His work will surely continue to influence and inspire us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

A Comedy Central statement read: "The tragic news of Greg's passing hits us very, very hard. Greg has been a close member of the Comedy Central family for years, injecting his energy and wicked sense of humour into countless projects. The comedy community lost a brother today. Our thoughts are with his family."