'Boyz N The Hood' director John Singleton dies aged 51 after suffering stroke 2 weeks ago

Groundbreaking film director, screenwriter and producer John Singleton died on Monday in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke on April 17. A family spokesperson said the filmmaker passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Singleton was 51-years-old.

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

Earlier on Monday, it was reported the family had finally decided to remove Singleton from life support at Cedars. He had been in the ICU unit since suffering the stroke almost a fortnight ago. "It is with heavy hearts we announce that our beloved son, father and friend, John Daniel Singleton will be taken off of life support today," read the statement. "This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John's doctors."

The 51-year-old director of 'Boyz N the Hood', 'Poetic Justice' and other films had been in intensive care in Cedars since he had a stroke on April 17. 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 is incapacitated.

The two-time Oscar nominee was a trailblazer. He was nominated for the Oscars twice for writing and directing his debut film 'Boyz N The Hood' in 1991. His recent projects include the TV series 'Snowfall'.

As news that Singleton would be taken off life support circulated, many paid tribute to the director. Jordan Peele, 'Get Out' and 'Us' director, called him "a brave artist and a true inspiration."

"His vision changed everything," Peele said.

With inputs from AP