Boyz n the Hood director John Singleton dies aged 51 after being taken off life support, family says

John Singleton's family have said the Boys n the Hood director has died aged 51.

His death came after he was taken off life support following a stroke almost two weeks ago.

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

His family earlier said it was "an agonising decision, one that our family made over a number of days with the careful counsel of John's doctors".

Previous reports in the day suggested Singleton had died on Monday morning, though these were dismissed.

The Oscar-nominate filmmaker, who also worked on Poetic Justice, had been in intensive care in a Los Angeles hospital.

Paying tribute to Mr Singleton, a statement from the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People said: "John Singleton was a great director and storyteller who was never afraid to show African Americans in complex, multidimensional roles. We hope that his legacy will inspire a new generation of filmmakers to turn a positive and progressive lens toward minorities in this country."

Fellow filmmaker Jordan Peele tweeted: "RIP John Singleton. So sad to hear. John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything."

A court filing last week by his mother, Shelia Ward, requested that she be appointed Singleton's temporary conservator in order to make medical and financial decisions while he was incapacitated.

A previous statement, given to People, said he was taken into intensive care on April 17.

This said: “On Wednesday, April 17th our beloved son/father, John Singleton, suffered a stroke while at the hospital. John is currently in the ICU and under great medical care."

Mr Singleton's 1991 film Boyz n The Hood earned him an Academy Award nomination for best director.

This made him the first African American nominee and the youngest ever.