Popular British comedian Rik Mayall dead at 56

The British actor and comedian Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
The Essex-born actor, who starred in alternative comedy shows such as The Young Ones and Blackadder, died on Monday morning, a spokesman for Brunskill Management said. The cause of death is currently unknown.
Mayall was best known for his comedy partnership with Adrian Edmonson, whom he first met at university. The pair went on to become one of the biggest comedy duos of the 1980s, co-writing The Young Ones. Mayall later starred in Jonathan Creek.
Rik Mayall (left) as Rick in The Young Ones with Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer and Christopher Rya Rik Mayall (left) as Rick in the Young Ones with Adrian Edmondson as Vyvyan, Nigel Planer as Neil, and Christopher Ryan as Mike. Photograph: Photos 12/Alamy
In 1998, Mayall was nearly crushed to death by the quad bike he was riding when he fell off. He suffered a fractured skull and severe haemorrhaging and spent five days in a coma.