Carrot Top is awake after a suicide attempt over the weekend.
The comedian, born Scott Thompson, "remains hospitalized and under close medical care" but is "breathing on his own and continuing to improve, surrounded by his family and those closest to him," his publicist Jami Schlicher told USA TODAY on Monday, Sept. 21.
Thompson, 61, is recovering in a Las Vegas hospital after an alleged suicide attempt on Friday, according to TMZ, which was first to report the news. The outlet published images the following day showing several police cars parked reportedly outside the comedian's home.
Schlicher did not address what led to the comic's hospitalization, and local Las Vegas outlets have reported the reason remains undisclosed.
Carrot Top grew to fame
in the 1990s and is best known for his curly red hair, satirical comedy and use of props. He has made appearances, as himself, in "Reno 911!," "CSI," "Family Guy," "Scrubs," "Comedy Central Roast," "Robot Chicken" and, most recently, "Hacks."
The stand-up star was on his long-running comedy residency at Luxor Hotel and Casino, which he's been headlining since 2005, when the news was reported.
"Humor has always been such an important part of who Scott is and how he connects with people, and that remains true today as he shares moments of humor with the medical staff caring for him," Schlicher said. "Many messages from fans have been shared with Scott, including stories from people about how his comedy helped them through difficult periods in their own lives. Hearing those stories and feeling that support has meant a great deal to him during his recovery."
Schlicher continued, "Scott and his family remain deeply grateful for the extraordinary kindness and continue to ask that his privacy be respected."
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
Contributing: Paris Close, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carrot Top is awake and recovering after reported suicide attempt
