US stand-up comedian dies aged 28 as law enforcement confirm cause of death after ‘untimely passing’
Stand-up comedian Ken Flores has died from cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home, aged 28.
The Chicago-based comic was in the midst of his 33-date Butterfly Effect Tour when he passed away on Tuesday afternoon.
Law enforcement sources confirmed to TMZ that Flores suffered a cardiac arrest, with police ruling out foul play.
The rising star had been scheduled to perform tonight at Desert Ridge Improv in Phoenix, Arizona, as part of his nationwide tour that began earlier this month in Portland.
His family announced his “untimely passing” in a statement yesterday, requesting privacy as they cope with their loss.
Flores had performed multiple shows across the country in recent weeks, including five performances in Portland, one in Albuquerque, and four in Atlanta.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores,” his family wrote on his Instagram account. “Please respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”
The comedian had amassed a following of 969,000 across social media platforms, where his comedy bits frequently went viral on Instagram and TikTok.
His tour had been scheduled to conclude in San Diego, California, on April 19.
Just days before his death, Flores had shared his pride in performing sober during his tour dates.
“So I started my tour a couple weeks ago and I’m proud to say I’ve done every single show – five in Portland, one in Albuquerque, and four in Atlanta – without a single drop of alcohol,” he wrote on X last Sunday.
In the same post, he expressed both confidence and nervousness about his upcoming shows, adding: “Nervous for Phoenix next weekend but I think I got it. I’m not sober just wanna chill a bit.”
The comedian’s commitment to performing without alcohol marked a significant shift in his approach to live shows.
The Hollywood Improv led tributes to Flores, sharing photos of his performances at the historic venue.
“We were honored to share your talent on our stages. 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,” the venue wrote.
Comedian Neema Naz expressed shock at the news, writing: “What a tragic and devastating loss to the world. Ken was a gem and was going to be a star one day.”
Actor and comedian Chris D’Elia echoed: “This is terrible. So talented and such a good dude. We will all miss him.”
Fellow comic Carlos Flores shared: “Feels unreal I had just met you compa… nicest and funniest dude ever. RIP young legend.”
The comedy account Foos Gone Wild posted: “We lost a super talented and funny foo. Glad to have worked with him at the FGW Comedy Store show.”
Flores, born in Chicago in 1996, grew up in the Humboldt Park neighbourhood before his family moved to Aurora.
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He began his comedy career making YouTube videos, with several clips going viral on World Star Hip Hop.
At 22, whilst working at PNC Bank, Flores tried his first open mic at the Comedy Shrine. “If you get that one big pop, you get bit by the standup bug and you’re addicted,” he once told Comedy Gazelle.
He went on to co-create Latin XL, a comedy show designed to provide Latino comedians with greater opportunities in the industry.
His television appearances included Netflix Is a Daily Joke in 2020 and Todd N Tyler Radio Empire in 2021.