A famous New Orleans comedian has died of a sudden heart-related issue.
Christian comedian Mutzie Daniel Forestier died last weekend after suffering a sudden health-related medical emergency, his son posted on Mutzie’s Facebook page.
‘We’re heartbroken, but we know he’s at peace now,’ the post read.
Mutzie had worked for six years as a comedian on Carnival Cruise Line ships and was a two-time New Orleans Entertainer of the Year, FOX 8 Live reports.
He was also recently named the Christian Comedian of the Year, and had been set to kick off an upcoming national tour on Sunday.
But family members say Mutzie never feared death.
‘As many of you know, Mutzie was a deeply spiritual man, always rooted in his faith,’ his son, Newman, wrote in an online fundraiser for his funeral expenses.
‘He often spoke about death with peace, fully prepared and ready to meet Jesus.’
Newman went on to say that his father carried his faith with him at all times.
‘Living with my dad, I saw firsthand how he nurtured his relationship with God,’ Newman wrote.
‘Nearly every night, he would fall asleep listening to sermons, spending his final moments in conversation with God.
‘His faith was unwavering and he found comfort in his closeness with Jesus.’
Mutzie was also known for his charity work, Newman said.
‘My dad was a true giver, a man whose generosity knew no bounds,’ he wrote, noting that while his father was performing on Carnival Cruise ships, he started a program ‘to give back to the people of Progreso, Mexico.
‘We would use his CD money to buy pizzas and distribute them to schoolchildren, creating moments of joy that were truly special,’ Newman explained. ‘Every guest that joined us could also feel the joy of giving, and it was truly an awesome experience every time.’
When Mutzie wasn’t performing on cruises, Newman said he would donate all of his CD and DVD sales to those in need – providing Christmas presents to children, helping the homeless or supporting shelters.
‘He loved making people happy and showing them how Jesus calls us to live- to love one another,’ the grieving son wrote. ‘He lived by the verse, “He who does unto the least of these does unto me.”‘
But Mutzie was never actually wealthy, Newman said.
‘Our dad went through his life with very little, not because he had to, but because he chose to give all that he had to others,’ he explained.
‘He would always say, “I have money for my bills and food, that’s all I need.”‘
As such, Mutzie did not have a life insurance policy and knew he would not be able to leave much behind for his children, who are now collecting money to ensure their father’s wishes for his funeral are met.
Any extra funds that Newman and his sister, Rachel, receive will be donated to continue Mutzie’s tradition of blessing children with Christmas gifts this season.
As of Sunday evening, the children’s online fundraiser garnered over $9,000 in donations.