Comedian Ken Flores has tragically passed away at the age of 28 amidst his tour. The Chicago-based comedian was in the middle of his 33-date Butterfly Effect tour across the US and was set to perform in Phoenix, Arizona today.
His family released a poignant statement: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores.”
“Please respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office stated that Flores died at home on Tuesday from cardiac arrest, as reported by TMZ, though an official cause of death has not been disclosed by his family. Flores had last performed on January 25 in Norcross, Georgia, with his tour scheduled to continue until April 19.
In one of his recent social media updates, Flores discussed his tour and decision to go sober: “So I started my tour a couple weeks ago and I’m proud to say I’ve done every single show. 5 in Portland 1 in Albuquerque and 4 in Atlanta without a single drop of alcohol. Nervous for Phoenix next weekend but I think I got it I’m not sober just wanna chill a bit.”, reports the Mirror.
Flores rose to fame through his YouTube videos, which often went viral, and he built up a significant following on Instagram, TikTok, and X. At 22, while working at PNC Bank, he began performing at open mic nights at Comedy Shrine.
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“If you get that one big pop, you get bit by the standup bug and you’re addicted. Ever since I went up the first time, I couldn’t stop,” he once told Comedy Gazelle. Tributes have been streaming in for Flores after the tragic news broke.
Comedian Neema Naz remarked: “I was hoping this wasn’t real. What a tragic and devastating loss to the world. Ken was a gem and was going to be a star one day. RIP.”
Darren Carter shared: “Always happy to see and hang with him backstage. May his memory be a blessing.”
The Hollywood Improv group expressed: “We were honored to give him a stage to share his talent. Sending so much love to his family and the comedy community.”
Musicians Los Desvelados stated: “Ken Thank you for all amazing times the laughter the jokes, you will be missed RIP.”
Flores was not only a regular on the podcast circuit but also toured with his comedy acts. He featured on Netflix’s ‘Is a Daily Joke’ and had filmed his debut comedy special in December, which is awaiting release.
Alongside fellow comedian René Humberto Valdiviezo, Flores co-created the LatinXL comedy show, aiming to boost Latino representation in the comedy industry.
The show paid tribute, stating: “LATINXL came 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.”
They added: “We were always rooting for him and continued to share stages to present day. LatinXL WOULD NOT exist without Ken. 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.”
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