Stand-up comedian Ken Flores, known for his vibrant performances and contributions to the comedy scene, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 28. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner confirmed his death. At the time of his passing, Flores was in the midst of his "Butterfly Effect" tour, which began in Portland, Oregon, on January 10 and was scheduled to conclude in San Diego, California, in April. His untimely death has sent waves of shock and sadness throughout the comedy community and beyond.
Ken Flores was born in Chicago and later moved to Los Angeles, where he became a fixture in the comedy circuit. He performed alongside notable comedians, including Gabriel Iglesias, who referred to Flores as a "hometown hero." His journey through comedy included a significant contribution to the Latin comedy scene with the creation of the LatinXL Comedy Show. This platform aimed to highlight and elevate Latin talent in comedy.
Flores was a regular performer at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles and frequently headlined at comedy clubs nationwide. He was set to perform at the Hollywood Improv, further cementing his reputation as a beloved figure in the stand-up world. His death was announced on his Instagram page on Wednesday and subsequently confirmed by his publicist to "Good Morning America" on Thursday.
"Rest in peace, make god laugh." – The Laugh Factory
Flores' influence extended beyond his performances. His work inspired many within the comedy community. Zanies comedy club remarked on his unique talent:
"Seeing him perform once was enough to know he was special. It was a honor to watch him grow from a young comic starting out on showcases to selling out shows as a headliner here and across the country" – Zanies
The Hollywood Improv also paid tribute to Flores:
"We were honored to give him a stage to share his talent. Sending so much love to his family and the comedy community" – Hollywood Improv
Flores' loved ones expressed their grief and requested privacy during this difficult time:
"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" – Loved ones (on Flores' Instagram)
Gabriel Iglesias shared his condolences, highlighting Flores' impact and kindness:
"We lost a good one. It was my honor to have known Ken Flores. Incredibly funny comedian and just a kind, happy guy" – Gabriel Iglesias
In an interview with Boss Talk 101, Flores shared a touching moment about performing for his parents:
"My parents was in the crowd," "It was the first time I ever seen my pops cry." "For him to see that moment it was definitely, it was special for both of us"
