'Boyz N the Hood' director John Singleton dies after stroke

April 29 (UPI) -- Boyz N the Hood director John Singleton died Monday, 12 days after having having a stroke, in Los Angeles, his family announced. He was 51.

The filmmaker died hours after his family announced plans to remove him from life support at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

"We are sad to relay that John Singleton has died," his family said in a statement. "John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends.

"We want to thank the amazing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for their expert care and kindness and we again want to thank all of John's fans, friends and colleagues for all of the love and support they showed him during this difficult time."

Singleton was hospitalized April 17 when he began experiencing leg weakness on a long flight. He was non-responsive and in a medically induced coma before his family removed life support.

The Hollywood Reporter said Singleton's mother, Sheila Ward, recently applied for temporary conservatorship on his behalf.

Singleton was the first black and youngest filmmaker to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Director in 1991 for Boyz N the Hood.

Singleton's other credits include the films Abduction, Poetic Justice, Higher Learning, 2 Fast 2 Furious and Shaft as well as the TV series Snowfall, which was recently renewed for a third season.

Regina King, who starred in three of Singleton's 1990s movies, mourned his death on Instagram, sharing a photo of the two together.

"Rest in Power, my friend. One of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you GOD for blessing us with this gift better known as John Singleton. Having trouble finding enough words to share just what you mean to me," she wrote.