Stand-up comedian Ken Flores, who gained prominence for creating the LatinXL Comedy Show and who was in the midst of his national Butterfly Effect Tour, died Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from a cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles, California home. He was 28. Law enforcement officials confirmed his death occurred around 2 p.m. They noted that there were oxygen tanks present in his residence, evidence of his ongoing health struggles.
The family announced his death in an Instagram statement: “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 battling congestive heart failure for the past two years and had been actively working to improve his health through weight loss and oxygen therapy. Emergency responders were called to his residence by a friend who performed CPR, but Flores was pronounced dead at the scene. No drugs were found at the location, and foul play is not suspected, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Flores moved to Los Angeles, California in 2023 to pursue his comedy career. Known for his unfiltered and unapologetic brand of humor, he began touring nationally in September 2022, building a significant following of 969,000 across social media platforms. His comedy journey started with open mic performances at Chicago venues, including The Comedy Bar and Laugh Factory, before securing appearances at the prestigious Zanies comedy club.
Before his comedy career, Flores worked as a teller at PNC Bank and gained initial recognition through viral YouTube videos on WorldStarHipHop, which helped him get noticed.
In a 2023 interview, Flores shared that he turned to comedy as a way to transform his lifestyle and break away from substance use. His commitment to personal growth was evident in his recent social media posts, where he expressed pride in maintaining sobriety during his tour performances.
Several significant achievements marked his rapid rise in the comedy world. A comedy routine he shared in September 2023 went viral, significantly expanding his audience. He had recently performed at major venues, including the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, where he became a regular performer. His performances were known for their relatability and his “XTRA large personality” that resonated with audiences nationwide.
In one of his last interviews, Flores had expressed his aspirations, stating he wanted to “tour for the rest of my life, write new material, and make people happy” through his comedy. His dedication to his craft was evident in his rigorous tour schedule, which included multiple shows per week across different cities.
Comedian Chris D’Elia took to Instagram to express admiration for Ken Flores, emphasizing his exceptional humor and potential for greatness in the industry.
Flores played a crucial role in establishing the LatinXL Comedy Show, a platform that highlights Latin comedy talent. According to the show’s Instagram account, the LatinXL show “WOULD NOT exist without Ken.”
The Butterfly Effect Tour began on January 10 in Portland, Oregon, and had already completed successful shows in multiple cities. His most recent performance was in Norcross, Georgia on January 25, where he delivered his final show. The tour was scheduled to continue through April, concluding with a performance in San Diego, California.
