Comedian Ken Flores, Beloved Creator of LatinXLShow, Dies Tragically at 28

“Our family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this loss, and we kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time,” they said in a statement.

By Sheenu Gupta On Jan 30, 2025 Share with new partner:

Ken Flores, a highly regarded stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit and dynamic stage presence, has passed away at the age of 28. He was a beloved figure in the comedy world and played a significant role in creating the LatinXL comedy show, which provided a platform for diverse comedic voices. His untimely passing has left fans, friends, and fellow comedians heartbroken as they remember his contributions to the industry and his ability to bring laughter to so many.

According to official online records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Ken Flores, whose full name was listed as Kenyi, passed away on Tuesday, January 28.

Although the exact cause of his death has not yet been determined, the Los Angeles Times reports that his body was found at his residence on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 2 p.m. Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his passing, and the news has left fans and the comedy community mourning the loss of a rising talent.

According to TMZ, which cited sources from law enforcement, preliminary reports suggest that Ken Flores may have suffered cardiac arrest. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected in his passing.

His death was officially confirmed by his family through a heartfelt statement shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, January 29. The announcement expressed their deep sorrow and requested privacy as they grieve this unexpected and tragic loss. Fans and fellow comedians have since flooded social media with tributes, remembering Flores for his humor, talent, and contributions to the comedy world.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the untimely passing of our beloved friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores,” read an official statement from his family. “We are all in shock and deeply devastated by this loss, and we kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Flores’ passing occurred in the midst of his highly anticipated 2025 Butterfly Effect Tour, which began in Portland, Oregon, on Friday, January 10. He had been actively performing for audiences across the country, with his most recent show taking place on Saturday, January 25, in Norcross, Georgia. He was next scheduled to take the stage in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday, January 30.

In addition to his successful tour, Flores had recently reached a major career milestone. According to the Los Angeles Times, he had completed filming his first-ever comedy special in December. The project, which has yet to be released, was expected to showcase his unique comedic style and further solidify his place in the stand-up world. His sudden passing has left fans and fellow comedians mourning the loss of a rising star whose impact on the comedy community was just beginning to unfold.

In a June 2023 interview with Comedy Gazelle, Ken Flores, a proud Chicago native, reflected on his early passion for performing, which first emerged when he began creating YouTube videos at the age of 15. He recalled how, even at a young age, he was drawn to making people laugh and entertaining audiences online.

His journey into stand-up comedy took a more serious turn after his family relocated to California. It was there, in his early 20s, that he attended an open mic night at a local comedy club—an experience that would change the course of his life. Flores described how, from the moment he stepped on stage, he was hooked, realizing that making people laugh in a live setting was his true calling. This pivotal moment sparked his dedication to comedy, ultimately leading him to build a successful career in stand-up and become a beloved figure in the industry.

Ken Flores was a passionate advocate for Latino representation in the comedy world. Alongside fellow comedian René Humberto Valdiviezo, he co-created and produced LatinXL, a comedy showcase dedicated to uplifting Latino comedians and providing them with opportunities in an industry where such chances were often difficult to come by.

In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, the LatinXL team reflected on the show’s origins and Flores’ impact. “The idea for LatinXL was born from late-night conversations before the pandemic, evolving into backyard comedy shows during COVID,” they wrote. “Our goal was to create something meaningful together—to carve out opportunities for Latino comedians who might otherwise struggle to get noticed. At the same time, we wanted to build our own platform where we could hone our craft, celebrate our culture, and support one another as friends chasing the same dream.”

The tribute went on to express admiration for Flores’ achievements, highlighting the pride they felt as they watched him succeed. “We were so proud of Ken when he made it—this kid from Aurora who had dreamed of this moment for so long. His passion, determination, and humor left an undeniable mark, and his presence in the comedy world will be deeply missed.”

The statement continued, emphasizing the deep admiration and support the LatinXL team always had for Flores. “We were always cheering him on, celebrating his successes, and sharing the stage with him up until the present day. LatinXL simply would not exist without Ken—he was an essential part of its creation and its spirit.”

They went on to reveal the special meaning behind the show’s name, explaining that the “XL” was a tribute to Flores himself. “The ‘XL’ was a nod to Ken, a reflection of his ‘extra-large personality’ and the incredible energy he brought to every performance. He was a force of nature—bold, charismatic, and impossible to ignore. Audiences across the country couldn’t help but love him, and his presence lit up every room he walked into.”

Several venues where Ken Flores had performed in the past also paid heartfelt tributes to him on social media. One such venue, The Hollywood Improv, shared a touching message, expressing how truly privileged they were to have witnessed his immense talent.

“We were honored to have had the chance to see you perform,” the venue’s statement read. “You were a true force of greatness, and it was only a matter of time before the entire world recognized your incredible gifts. But beyond your talent, you were also a kind-hearted soul and a loyal friend to everyone fortunate enough to know you. We love you, Ken. Thank you for all the laughter you shared with us. You’ll always have a special place in our hearts.”