Comedian Gareth Richards, a former radio co-host of Frank Skinner, has died almost two weeks after suffering brain injuries in a motorway crash.

Skinner broke down in tears live on his show in the days after the collision as he told listeners that his friend was fighting for his life.

Richards died of his injuries on Friday, his wife Laura said in a post on social media paying tribute.

“He was in a terrible car accident on Monday 27 March at 11.30pm and sustained serious brain injuries,” she wrote. “It was a miracle that he arrived at the hospital alive.

“Since then, the doctors and nurses have been incredible and have kept him in a stable and sedated condition. However, the latest scan revealed that the extent of the damage was so severe that they would have to remove all of the supportive medications and allow him to be at peace.”