On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Ken Flores, the notable stand-up comedian known for founding the LatinXL Comedy Show and for his ongoing Butterfly Effect Tour, died at his residence in Los Angeles, California. The cause of death was a cardiac arrest. He was 28 years old.
Confirmations from law enforcement reveal that his death occurred around 2 p.m and there were oxygen tanks at his home, indicating his continuous health issues.
His family made an announcement about his passing on Instagram via a statement, saying, “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 dealing with congestive heart failure for the past two years. He had been making efforts to improve his health through weight loss and oxygen therapy. A friend who was at his home called emergency responders and attempted CPR, but Flores was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner stated no drugs were found at the scene, and there is no suspicion of foul play.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Flores relocated to Los Angeles, California in 2023 to further his comedy career. His unfiltered and unapologetic comedic style garnered him a significant following of 969,000 across social media platforms. His comedy career started with open mic performances at Chicago venues such as The Comedy Bar and Laugh Factory before he began appearances at the esteemed Zanies comedy club.
Prior to his career in comedy, Flores was employed as a teller at PNC Bank and gained initial fame through viral YouTube videos on WorldStarHipHop, which helped him gain attention.
In a 2023 interview, Flores revealed that he turned to comedy as a means to change his lifestyle and break away from substance abuse. His commitment to personal growth was clear in his recent social media posts, where he proudly stated that he maintained sobriety during his tour performances.
His rapid ascension in the comedy world was marked by several significant accomplishments. A comedy routine he shared in September 2023 went viral, substantially expanding his fan base. He had recently performed at major venues, including the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, where he became a regular performer. His performances, known for their relatability and his “XTRA large personality,” resonated with audiences across the country.
In one of his final interviews, Flores shared his aspirations, saying he wanted to “tour for the rest of my life, write new material, and make people happy” through his comedy. His dedication to his profession was evident in his demanding tour schedule, which included multiple shows per week in various cities.
Comedian Chris D’Elia expressed admiration for Ken Flores on Instagram, highlighting his exceptional humor and potential for greatness in the comedy industry.
Flores was instrumental in establishing the LatinXL Comedy Show, a platform that showcases 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 conducted successful shows in various cities. His last performance was in Norcross, Georgia on January 25, where he held his final show. The tour was meant to continue through April, ending with a show in San Diego, California.
