Ralphie May discussed his health problems in a radio interview weeks before his death from cardiac arrest last Thursday.
The comic called in to Albuquerque’s Carlos & Kiki in the Morning on September 22 and said he was suffering from bronchitis.
After performing eight shows in five states in six days, the 45-year-old said that he was too sick to appear at the radio station and would only be able to talk over the phone.
Phoned in: Ralphie May, 45, discussed his health problems in a radio interview weeks before his death from cardiac arrest last Thursday; (pictured 2015)
May said he was ‘worn down’ from the hectic schedule and could barely walk down the hotel hallway in the radio clip obtained by TMZ.
‘Man, I’m sick. I’ve got bronchitis and you add that to the altitude and it’s bad. If I tried to come in there I would get there tomorrow,’ he told the radio hosts.
‘I spent last week doing eight shows, five states in six days, running and gunning and running and gunning has just got me worn down.
‘It takes forever just to get down the hall,’ he added.
Talented: Ralphie May was found dead just hours after performing on stage in Las Vegas (pictured in April 2015)
He also said, ‘the people at the Santa Ana Star are so sweet. They got me oxygen, they got everything backstage in case I need it, and it’s only my dumb pride that I don’t have it. I should have it, all the time, oh my God. I get light headed. It’s the cheapest high I’ve ever had.’
May had been found dead just hours after performing on stage in Las Vegas.
The comedian, known for his television appearances on Inside Amy Schumer, had been battling pneumonia for six weeks and died of cardiac arrest, a spokesperson confirmed on his Instagram page.
The star was found dead at a private residence in Las Vegas early on Friday morning, just hours after he took to the stage at Harrah’s.
Popular: May was seen on Inside Amy Schumer last year
He was in the midst of a nationwide tour, but had been forced to cancel some dates while he attempted to recover from his illness.
Two days before his death, May was crowned Casino Comedian Of The Year at the Global Gaming Expo in Vegas.
His manager, Judi Marmel, told TMZ: ‘As his manager and his friend, I will miss his laugh, his generosity to fellow comedians, his trademark orneriness, and his enormous love of life.
‘He left us entirely too soon – and we can only wonder where his comedy might have taken all of us. We send our love to his family, his fans, and all the comics who shared stages with him across the country.’
Funny guy: Chris Rock tells the truth during his Instagram tribute
The last picture: May is seen in a Wednesday Instagram post from his page performing at Harrah’s; he wrote ‘see you Thursday’
May first found fame in the early 2000s when he came second on Last Comic Standing. He had forged a successful career in the business – winning many friends along the way.
Fellow comics took to Twitter to express their condolences for May, known for his Southern charm.
Stand-up star Larry The Cable Guy wrote: ‘You my friend were one of the nicest and kindest out there.’
Realest: Jay Mohr sent a heartfelt tribute over Twitter
Still working: May is seen in an Instagram post last week, following a gig in New Mexico
Full House’s Bob Saget shared: ‘Ralphie May. Dammit. You were a funny and sweet mofo man. Rest In Peace.’
The Hangover’s Ken Jeong tweeted: ‘This hurts too much. Ralphie May helped me so much. Rest In Peace.
‘Thank you for all the love you have given me. Thank you for everything.’
Announcement: May’s spokesman posted this tribute on the comic’s Instagram page
Jim Breuer wrote: ‘RIP funny man. We shared good talks & good laughs . See you on the other side kid.’
Josh Wolf, a regular on Chelsea Lately, shared: ‘Crushed by the news about Ralphie May. Forget how funny he was…such a kind, generous soul. We will miss you, brother.’
And Kevin Hart tweeted: ‘Wow….I was just told that Ralphie May passed. I’m truly saddened by this. He was a good dude. Heaven just got another funny angel RIP man.’
May is survived by by his wife, Lahna Turner, and their daughter April June and son August James.
Lahna filed for divorce in 2015 after the couple had been married for ten years.
Fellow comics took to Twitter to express condolences for May, known for his Southern charm
Popular: He forged a successful career in the business and won many friends along the way