The comedy world is in mourning after Reggie Carroll, the Baltimore-born stand-up known to audiences as the “Knockout King of Comedy,” was killed in a fatal shooting in Southaven, Mississippi. He was just 52 years old. The shocking death of a man whose life was built on laughter has left both fans and fellow performers stunned, as police confirm that a suspect has been taken into custody.
According to authorities, officers responded to reports of gunfire on Burton Lane on August 20. Carroll was found with multiple gunshot wounds and could not be saved despite immediate medical aid. Police later announced that a man was arrested at the scene and charged with his murder. While investigators have yet to reveal a motive, the arrest footage—circulating online—shows the suspect in handcuffs as devastated fans gather outside.
Comedy has lost a giant. Reggie Carroll brought joy to millions, and tonight the stage feels unbearably empty. #RIPReggieCarroll— Comedy Report (@ComedyReport) August 25, 2025
Carroll first rose to prominence on the circuit in the 1990s, performing in packed Baltimore clubs before making appearances on shows like Showtime at the Apollo. By the early 2000s, he was touring nationally and appearing on UPN’s The Parkers, winning a devoted following with his magnetic stage presence and raw authenticity. His 2023 tour, Knockout Kings of Comedy, sold out venues across the South and Midwest, cementing his reputation as one of the sharpest live performers of his generation (New York Post).
His death drew an immediate, emotional response from Oscar-winning actress and fellow comedian Mo’Nique, who had toured with Carroll. She described him as “a brother on the road, a heartbeat in every crowd,” adding: “It’s why I tell people—hold your people dearly, because you never know if it will be the last time.” Her grief-stricken post ricocheted across social media within hours (People).
Mo’Nique: “Reggie was more than a comic. He was a brother. We laughed until our sides hurt, and now I can’t believe those nights are gone.”
— Mo’Nique (@moworldwide) August 25, 2025
The Southaven Police Department later released footage of the suspect’s arrest, with the man being led into a patrol car in front of stunned onlookers. For Carroll’s fans, the images struck like a second blow—the laughter he once brought was replaced by the grim silence of crime scene tape and flashing police lights. His brother Jonathan Carroll posted online that the family was “devastated beyond words” but grateful for the flood of support pouring in from around the world (Times of India).
“Your love has been received—thank you,” wrote Jonathan Carroll, as fans flooded their page with memories of Reggie’s shows. #JusticeForReggie— The Carroll Brothers (@CarrollComedy) August 25, 2025
Tributes continue to pour in from across the comedy world. Videos of Carroll’s routines are going viral again, with fans sharing clips of his sharp one-liners alongside candlelit vigils. Clubs in Baltimore, Atlanta, and Memphis announced they will dedicate upcoming shows to his memory. Advocacy groups against gun violence also used his death as a rallying cry, pointing to the tragedy as yet another reminder of how quickly lives can be stolen by senseless acts (Hindustan Times).
For the fans who saw him on stage, Reggie Carroll wasn’t just a comedian—he was a storyteller who turned hardship into humor. His jokes, rooted in family struggles, everyday chaos, and survival, connected deeply with audiences who saw themselves in his honesty. That gift, so rare and so powerful, makes the violence of his final moments feel unbearably cruel. As one grieving fan wrote: “He made us laugh through our pain, and now we’re left with his.”
Clubs are going dark for a minute in Reggie Carroll’s honor. Every laugh tonight feels heavier because it remembers him.
— Comedy Live (@ComedyLive) August 25, 2025
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have confirmed the suspect remains in custody and will face a preliminary court hearing later this week. While prosecutors prepare their case, Carroll’s loved ones are preparing a memorial in Baltimore, where his comedy journey began. The city where he first found his voice will now hold him one last time.
For millions who laughed with him, Reggie Carroll’s death is not just the loss of a comedian, but the silencing of a voice that made the world feel a little lighter. His jokes will live on in recordings and memories—but the man who delivered them, who carried a room with nothing more than a microphone and his truth, is gone too soon.