An inquest has been opened into the .
Richards, the radio co-host of , died aged 41 on April 7, 11 days after being involved in a car accident on the M2 in Kent.
A post-mortem examination found that Richards died of head injuries and his inquest was opened on Tuesday at West Coroner’s Court.
It was adjourned so police could interview a lorry driver involved in the crash.
Richards’ death was confirmed by his wife Laura, with whom he shares two young sons, in a heartbreaking statement last month.
‘It is with great sadness that I have to share that Gareth passed away on Friday 7th April (Good Friday) at 6:30pm,’ she wrote.
‘He was in a terrible car accident on Monday 27th March at 11:30pm and sustained serious brain injuries.
‘It was a miracle that he arrived at the hospital alive. Since then, the doctors and nurses have been incredible and have kept him in a stable and sedated condition.
‘However, the latest scan revealed that the extent of the damage was so severe that they would have to remove all of the supportive medications and allow him to be at peace.
‘The boys are bearing up well.’
Shortly after the car crash, 66-year-old Skinner burst into tears as he told Absolute Radio listeners that .
Skinner was overcome with emotion as he said things were ‘not looking great’ for Richards.
The Fantasy League host said he had been hosting the show for 14 years and said the pilot was ‘rubbish’ until he met Richards, who was initially a guest.
Skinner praised Richards for being so ‘brilliant’, resulting in them asking him to join the show.
He soon became a ‘very close friend’ and supported the Room 101 presenter on his stand-up tour.
Breaking down in tears, a heartbroken Skinner added: ‘Gareth was in a very big road accident this week and it is not looking great for Gareth.
‘He is in hospital and he is fighting and it’s not looking great. I didn’t want to do this show, we didn’t want to do this show, without mentioning him.’
The Three Lions lyricist continued: ‘He is a fantastic bloke. I don’t know if any of you do pray but if you do, give one for Gareth this week.’
As well as being well-loved on Skinner and Dean’s radio show, Richards had been performing comedy since kickstarting his career in 2004, going on to become a finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year 2007 competition, as well as runner-up in the Amused Moose Laugh-Off in 2007.
His TV appearances also included Russell Howard’s Good News, Live at the Electric, and the children’s TV panel show The Dog Ate My Homework.
Richards was due to perform his tenth solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023.
