(CNN) John Singleton, a versatile director who made a splash with "Boyz n the Hood" and went on to a variety of projects -- including "2 Fast 2 Furious" -- has died after suffering a stroke. He was 51.

The director, who had been in a coma since suffering the stroke on April 17, died Monday, his family told CNN in a statement.

"John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends," Singleton's family said. "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."

In 1992, at the age of 24, Singleton became the youngest person to ever receive an Oscar nomination for best director for "Boyz n the Hood," a film based on his experiences growing up in South Central Los Angeles. He also was the first African American to be nominated in that category.

He wrote the screenplay while attending the cinema school at USC, winning various awards while a student that lead to his signing with Creative Artists Agency, the powerful talent agency.

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