Ken Flores, a rising star in the stand-up comedy scene and co-creator of the “LatinXL” comedy show, was found deceased in his home on January 28 at the age of 28. According to PEOPLE, preliminary reports indicate that he suffered cardiac arrest, with no evidence of foul play.
Born in Chicago in 1996, Flores spent his early years in Humboldt Park before relocating to Aurora, Colorado, during his teenage years. His foray into comedy began with YouTube videos and open mic nights, eventually leading him to organize the “LatinXL” comedy show at Chicago’s Laugh Factory in 2022. This endeavor aimed to spotlight Latino comedians and foster diversity within the comedy community.
In pursuit of broader opportunities, Flores moved to Los Angeles in 2023. His unfiltered humor and engaging stage presence quickly garnered attention, leading to performances at renowned venues such as The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. He also made a notable appearance on the Netflix is a Daily Joke podcast, further cementing his status in the comedy world.
In a 2023 interview with The Comedy Gazelle, Ken Flores shared how his journey into comedy began: “I did YouTube when I was like 15, 16, and I was just doing real hack stuff like, ‘Mexican moms be like.’ I had a few videos actually go viral on World Star Hip Hop,” he recalled. “I got a taste of that entertainment world, like, ‘I want to be an entertainer.'”
Years later, while working at a PNC Bank, Flores met the owner of Aurora’s Comedy Shrine. “Every time he would come in, I would mess with him,” Flores said. The club owner saw his potential and repeatedly invited him to an open mic. “He’s like, ‘Man, you’re really funny. Come to the mic, come to the mic.’ Then one day I went.”
That first performance changed everything. “If you get that one big pop, you get bit by the stand-up bug and you’re addicted,” Flores said. “Ever since I went up the first time, I couldn’t stop.”
At the time of his passing, Flores was in the midst of his national “Butterfly Effect Tour.” His most recent performance took place in Norcross, Georgia, on January 25, with an upcoming show scheduled in Phoenix, Arizona. In December, he had filmed his first comedy special, which remains unreleased.
The news of Flores’s untimely death was confirmed by his family via his Instagram account. They expressed their profound shock and requested privacy during this difficult time. Tributes have poured in from fellow comedians and fans alike, many highlighting Flores’s infectious laugh and significant contributions to the comedy scene. His unique comedic style and dedication to promoting Latino voices have left an indelible mark on the industry.
On January 29, the official LatinXL Instagram page paid tribute to Flores with a heartfelt message, reported by Entertainment Weekly. The post read in part, “We have so many words on how we feel about him and this loss that just wouldn’t fit here. He was a brother to all of us. A dear friend. An inspiration. And frankly the best… We were so proud of Ken when he made it in his dream as a kid from Aurora. We were always rooting for him and continued to share stages to present day.”
As the comedy community mourns this significant loss, plans for memorial services have yet to be announced. Ken Flores’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire both current and aspiring comedians.