Comedian Ralphie May dies at 45

— -- Comedian Ralphie May has died at the age of 45, ABC News has confirmed.

The comedian's body was discovered at a private residence in Las Vegas. May had been battling pneumonia recently and had canceled several dates so he could recover. The cause of death was cardiac arrest.

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Just two days ago, May had been named Casino Comedian of the Year at the Global Gaming Expo. He had performances scheduled through the end of 2017 as part of his residency at Harrah's Las Vegas.

May, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, won a contest to open for his idol Sam Kinison when he was 17. Kinison advised May to move to Houston, Texas, where he graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He subsequently moved to Los Angeles, and in 2003, he competed in the first season of "Last Comic Standing," coming in second.

May released his first album, "Just Correct," in 2005. He's starred in four Comedy Central specials, including 2012's "Too Big to Ignore," and two Netflix specials, including 2015's "Imperfectly Yours."

May is survived by his wife, Lahna Turner, and his children, April June May and August James May.