Stand-up comedian Ken Flores, who kicked off a nationwide tour earlier this month, has died. He was 28.
The comedian, born Kenyi Flores, died on Tuesday, according to online records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reviewed by USA TODAY. A cause of death was not given.
Flores’ family mourned his death on Wednesday in a statement posted to Instagram.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores,” the statement read. “Please respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Flores’ representative for additional information.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The Chicago native got his comedic start in his teens by posting videos on YouTube, with some of his clips going viral on WorldStarHipHop, according to Flores’ 2023 interview with The Comedy Gazelle. While working as a bank teller in his early 20s, Flores said he was encouraged by the owner of The Comedy Shrine to perform at the Aurora venue’s open mic event.
“If you get that one big pop, you get bit by the stand-up bug and you’re addicted,” Flores told the outlet. “Ever since I went up the first time, I couldn’t stop.”
Flores launched his headlining Butterfly Effect Tour on Jan. 10 in Portland. The comedian was set to hit the stage in cities such as Nashville, Tennessee; Philadelphia; Austin, Texas; and San Diego through April. Flores’ next show was scheduled for Thursday at the Desert Ridge Improv in Phoenix, according to his official website.
Regarding his career aspirations, Flores told The Comedy Gazelle that he wanted to “tour for the rest of my life, write new material, and make people happy.”
“There’s a lot of people like me around the world that think like me, and we just don’t have a voice,” Flores said. “There are Latino comics, like Gabriel Iglesias, but he’s not like me. He didn’t grow up in the hood. He wasn’t a drug addict. He didn’t grow up like me, so he doesn’t speak for me.
“But there’s a lot of people that I can speak for that don’t really have a voice in comedy. One of the things that makes me the happiest is when people tell me, ‘This is the first time I’ve ever gone to a comedy show. I relate to all your (stuff), bro, and I had to come see it.’ “
Esta TerBlanche:‘All My Children’ star’s cause of death revealed
Comedians pay tribute to ‘rising star’ Ken Flores
Several of Flores’ peers in the comedy world took to social media to mourn the comedian’s death, including the comedy venue the Hollywood Improv.
“We were honored to share your talent on our stages,” the venue wrote in a tribute on Instagram. “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.”
“Rising star — see you on the other side bro 💫 🕊️,” Pedro Herrera commented on Instagram.
“My brother, it was a blessing to know you and share you with the world. You changed my life,” René Humberto Valdiviezo wrote. “You had so much left to do. My heart hurts for everyone whose life you made better.”
“I was hoping this wasn’t real 😔” Neema Naz commented. “What a tragic and devastating loss to the world. Ken was a gem and was going to be a star one day. RIP 🙌🏽💜😢”
“Ken 💔 Thank you for all amazing times, the laughter, the jokes, you will be missed RIP 🕊️,” Los Desvelados wrote.
More celebrity deaths:Lynn Ban, ‘Bling Empire’ celebrity jewelry designer, dies at 51 after ski accident
“Always happy to see and hang with him backstage. May his memory be a blessing ❤️,” Darren Carter commented.
