Ken Flores, Stand-up Comedian and Creator of “LatinXL” Show, Dies at 28

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

According to online records from 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, the Los Angeles Times reports that the performer's body was discovered at his home on Tuesday afternoon around 2 p.m.

According to TMZ, 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 family posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

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"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 statement read.

Flores' death occurred during his 2025 Butterfly Effect Tour, which kicked 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 the Los Angeles Times.

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In a June 2023 interview with Comedy 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.

Flores helped promote Latinos in the comedy scene by producing a comedy show titled LatinXL with fellow comedian René Humberto Valdiviezo.

"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," the show wrote in a statement posted on Instagram.

"We were always rooting for him and continued to share stages to present day. LatinXL WOULD 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," their statement read.

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Many members of the comedy community have also spoken out on their respective social pages, including René Vaca, Chris D'Elia and Sam Tripoli.

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