Ken Flores, the stand-up comedian famous for founding the LatinXL Comedy Show and who was in the middle of his nationwide Butterfly Effect Tour, died from a heart attack at his residence in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. He was 28 years old. His death, which occurred around 2 p.m., was confirmed by law enforcement officials who also pointed out the presence of oxygen tanks in his home as an indication of his persistent health issues.
His family announced his death via an Instagram statement, which read, “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.”
Flores had been fighting congestive heart disease for two years and was actively trying to improve his health through weight reduction and oxygen therapy. Emergency personnel were summoned to his home by a friend who attempted CPR, but Flores was declared dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner stated that no drugs were found on the premises, and there are no suspicions of foul play.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Flores relocated to Los Angeles, California in 2023 to chase his comedy dreams. Noted for his candid and unabashed sense of humor, he started his national tour in September 2022 and amassed a significant following of 969,000 across social media platforms. His comedy career began with open mic performances at Chicago venues like The Comedy Bar and Laugh Factory, eventually leading to appearances at the esteemed Zanies comedy club.
Prior to his comedy career, Flores worked at PNC Bank as a teller and initially gained popularity through viral YouTube videos on WorldStarHipHop, which helped him gain traction.
In a 2023 interview, Flores revealed that he used comedy as a tool to change his lifestyle and break away from substance abuse. His commitment to self-improvement was evident in recent social media posts where he expressed satisfaction in staying sober during his tour performances.
His comedy career was marked by several significant milestones. A comedy routine he shared in September 2023 went viral, significantly broadening his fan base. He had recently performed at major venues, including the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, where he became a frequent performer. His performances were praised for their relatability and his “XTRA large personality” that resonated with audiences across the country.
In one of his final interviews, Flores expressed his ambitions, stating he wanted to “tour for the rest of my life, write new material, and make people happy” through his comedy. His devotion to his craft was clear in his intense tour schedule, which included several shows per week across various cities.
Comedian Chris D’Elia posted on Instagram to pay tribute to Ken Flores, lauding his unique humor and potential for greatness in the industry.
Flores played an essential role in creating the LatinXL Comedy Show, a platform designed to showcase Latin comedy talent. According to the show’s Instagram account, the LatinXL show “WOULD NOT exist without Ken.”
The Butterfly Effect Tour started on January 10 in Portland, Oregon, and had already held successful shows in multiple cities. His last performance was in Norcross, Georgia on January 25. The tour was scheduled to run through April, ending with a performance in San Diego, California.