Howard announced on Dec. 6, 2023, that Ralph had died, saying that his "heart gave out" during a routine procedure on the morning before. Howard added that Ralph was being treated at the time for a "rare lymphoma" that was "curable and treatable." Howard added that he felt "angry" that his friend had waited so long to take the issue seriously.

“I just have been so sad and so angry," he explained.

“He didn’t take care of himself,” the host added.

Ralph's cause of death seems to have been heart failure that was caused by the lymphoma, which Howard added was made worse by his friend's refusal to address his health or attempt to seek treatment. Even as Howard expressed his anger that his friend had died at just 58 years old, he also spent plenty of time paying tribute to Ralph and to the friendship the two of them shared.