The comedic world has plunged into mourning, with the devastating news of a boisterous and budding star of stand-up comedy, Ken Flores, passing away at just 28. Flores was young, electrifying on stage, and committed to uplifting Latino voices in comedy- his sudden demise leaving a whole gap in hearts.
Early Childhood and Interest in Comedy
Born in 1996, Kenyi “Ken” Flores spent his childhood in Chicago, growing up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Later, his family moved to Aurora, Colorado, where Flores’s comedic career started to take shape. He began making YouTube videos at age 15-recordings of everything from the mundane to the bizarre, done for comic effect. These early endeavors gave him a taste of the entertainment world and lit a fire in his belly to make people laugh.
In his early twenties, he would drive past the owner of Aurora’s Comedy Shrine while working at PNC Bank. The owner, noticing Flores’s wittiness, told him to come to an open mic night. He once recalled, “If you get that one big pop, you get bit by the stand-up bug and you’re addicted. Ever since I went up the first time, I couldn’t stop.”
Championing Latino Comedians
Flores was not only committed to comedy but also became a strong activist for Latino comedians. Working with fellow comedian René Humberto Valdiviezo, he co-created the “LatinXL” comedy show. The show was an avenue through which Latino comedians could be headlined and find opportunities that often proved difficult to come by. The name of the show, “LatinXL,” was based on Flores’s “extra-large personality” and his enormous clout in the comedy world.
In a moving tribute, the LatinXL team said, “LatinXL WOULD NOT exist without Ken. The XL was in tribute to Ken having an ‘XTRA large personality’ and such a force. which crowds all over the country would inevitably love.”
A Thriving Career
Of course, Flores’s talent and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. He soon found himself regularly performing at every hot spot in Los Angeles, from The Comedy Store to Hollywood Improv. Comedian performances that swept the nation were those with relatable humor and an infectious energy.
In December 2024, Flores filmed his first comedy special, a career milestone. The special had not been released at the time of his death, thus setting up a wait-and-see attitude among his fans and fellow comedians in what many described as what was going to be a spectacular show of his craft.
The Butterfly Effect Tour
At the time of his death, Flores was touring with the national “Butterfly Effect Tour” that kicked off on January 10, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. Such a tour materialized his rise to fame and his eagerness to spread laughter across the United States. He had performed as recently as January 25th in Norcross, Georgia. His next tour date was slated for January 30th in Phoenix, Arizona.
Died Too Soon
On January 28, 2025, Flores was found dead in his apartment in Los Angeles. Preliminary reports have stated that he died from cardiac arrest and did not show any signs of foul play. His death has sent shockwaves across the comedy community and his fans.
It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores. We respectfully ask to be given privacy at this time as we are all in shock and devastated by this loss,” his family wrote in a statement.
Tributes from the Comedy Community
The impact of Flores’ work and his vibrant personality was evident in the outpouring of tributes from fellow comedians and venues. The Hollywood Improv paid tribute to him thus: “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. We love you Ken, thank you for all the laughs.”
Comedian Chris D’Elia also chimed in with farewells to remember their friendship and Flores’ talent: “Today got news that Ken Flores passed away. He was a comedian that was a friend of mine and was super talented. And I worked with him a…”
Long-Lasting Legacy
The sudden passing of Ken Flores is a loss so profound in the comedy world. He gave his all to his craft, and in his efforts, he made sure fellow Latino comedians rose together. As his fans and peers remember his performances, the joy he brought to so many, his legacy is but a reminder of the power of laughter and a need for representation in the arts.
As his loved ones so succinctly put it: “Thanks for the laughs, Ken. His spirit and sense of humor live on in many hearts.
