Ken Flores, Stand-up Comedian and Creator ofLatinXLShow, Dies at 28

Mar. 15, 2025

Ken Flores performing at The Ice House Comedy Club on August 10, 2024.Photo:Michael S. Schwartz/Getty

Michael S. Schwartz/Getty

Ken Flores, a beloved stand-up comedian who helped create theLatinXLcomedy show, has died. He was 28.

According toonline recordsfrom the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Flores, who was identified as Kenyi, died on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

While a cause of death is not known, theLos Angeles Timesreports that the performer’s body was discovered at his home on Tuesday afternoon around 2 p.m.

According toTMZ, citing law enforcement sources, it appeared Flores suffered cardiac arrest and no foul play is suspected. PEOPLE has reached out to his representative for comment.

His death was confirmed through a statement from his familyposted on his Instagram pageon Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Ken Flores.Ken Flores/Instagram

Ken Flores/Instagram

Flores' death occurred during his2025 Butterfly Effect Tour, whichkicked off in Portland, Oregon, on Friday, Jan. 10. His most recent show was on Saturday, Jan. 25, in Norcross, Georgia, and he was scheduled to perform in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday, Jan. 30.

He had also just filmed his first comedy special in December, which has not yet been released, according to theLos Angeles Times.

Ken Flores' family confirms his death in a statement posted to his Instagram page.Ken Flores/Instagram

In a June 2023 interview withComedy Gazelle, the Chicago native recalled becoming interested in performing while making YouTube videos at 15. He shared that after his family moved to California, he quickly got the comedy bug after participating in an open mic night at a comedy club in his early 20s.

“LATINXLcame from an idea over late night pre-pandemic convos and backyard covid shows to do something together — to break Latinos into opportunities that would usually be hard to land… while also getting our own stage to refine our comedy and enjoy our friendship while chasing our dreams. We were so proud of Ken when he made it in his dream as a kid from Aurora,” the show wrote in astatement posted on Instagram.

“We were always rooting for him and continued to share stages to present day.LatinXLWOULD NOT exist without Ken,” the statement continued. “The XL was a nod to Ken for having an ‘XTRA large personality’ and being such a force…which crowds all over the country would inevitably love.”

Some of the past venues he’s performed at also paid tribute to him on social media, including The Hollywood Improv, who wrote that they were “honored” to have witnessed his talent.

“You were greatness, and it was only a matter of time until the whole world saw it. You were also kind and a tremendous friend to all lucky enough to know you. We love you Ken, thank you for all the laughs,” theirstatementread.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Many members of the comedy community have also spoken out on their respective social pages, includingRené Vaca,Chris D’EliaandSam Tripoli.

source: people.com