Jackass Star Vincent "Don Vito" Margera Dies 59

Vincent Margera - the uncle of Bam Margera, who frequently appeared in the Jackass TV show and movies - has passed away at the age of 59.

Known as "Don Vito" to fans of the franchise, Margera had reportedly been struggling with kidney and liver damage for several years.

Sources say he slipped into a coma last month and never fully recovered.

According to a statement from Bam's mother, April Margera, Vincent quietly passed away at home this morning.

This is the second tragedy in four years for Bam, whose best friend Ryan Dunn died in a car accident in 2011. 

Sadly, in his later years, Vincent Margera became as famous for his troubled personal life as for his on-screen antics.

Margera was convicted of sexual assault in 2007 after an incident in which he allegedly groped two young girls at an autograph signing. He avoided prison time after reaching a plea deal. 

As part of his sentence, Margera was forbidden to participate in televised portrayals of the "outrageous and profane" Don Vito character that he created.

Margera complied with the court's order, but continued to make public appearances until his health issues began to make travel impossible last year.

"Don Vito" became a trending topic on Twitter within moments of the announcement of his death, with thousands of fans paying tribute to a troubled man who lived to make others laugh. 

1:51 PM