Oscar-nominated director John Singleton – known for films including Boyz N The Hood and his remake of detective movie Shaft – has died at the age of 51.

A family statement confirmed the influential filmmaker had “passed away peacefully” shortly after being removed from life support in Los Angeles.

Singleton had been in intensive care following a stroke.

Born in LA, Singleton was considered a trailblazer for African-American directors in the 1990s.

In 1992, he became the first African-American filmmaker to be nominated for the best director Oscar with his debut feature Boyz N The Hood.

Fresh out of college, he also became the youngest ever director to be nominated for the accolade.

He received a second nomination for best original screenplay for the film.