The comedy world woke up shocked and confused Wednesday morning as they were met by the sudden news of the untimely passing of one of the genre’s fastest-rising stars.
Stand-up comedian and entertainment personality Ken Flores died on Tuesday January 28th, 2025.
He was 28 years old.
According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Flores passed away on Tuesday, January 28. However, the exact cause of Ken Flores’ death remains unknown.
Ken’s’ family confirmed the devastating news through a heartfelt statement on social media. “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.”
Best known for his brash wit and electrifying crowd work, Ken had gone from a talented newcomer to the cusp of worldwide superstardom in only a few years. Selling out countless comedy clubs and theatres nationwide since early 2023, the Chicago, IL native recently began his latest Butterfly Effect comedy tour earlier this month in Portland, OR.
He was scheduled to be in Phoenix and Tempe, AZ this weekend.
In one of his final social media posts, Flores opened up on the tour. He said: “So I started my tour a couple weeks ago and I’m proud to say I’ve done every single show. 5 in Portland 1 in Albuquerque and 4 in Atlanta without a single drop of alcohol. Nervous for Phoenix next weekend, but I think I got it I’m not sober; just wanna chill a bit.”
The Butterfly Effect tour was set to run through April 2025.
TMZ would be the first major publication to report Flores’ passing, followed by People Magazine, Coming Soon, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times.
Tributes to Ken from various comedy clubs and comedians poured in throughout Wednesday as news of his death spread throughout the comedy community.
Gabriel Iglesias would write the following statement to the Los Angeles Times:
“I feel honored to have spent time with Ken. Of course he was hilarious but above all he was kind, respectful and fun to be around. He will be missed.”
One of the leaders of the new young Latinx comedy movement alongside fellow stars Ralph Barbosa, Concrete, Gloreys Mora, DontKnow, Alfred Robles, and Rene Vaca; Flores began posting self-developed videos on YouTube. Many of his videos went viral, and he gained a following on Instagram, TikTok, and X.
At 22, he began performing at local open mics throughout the city, mainly at the Comedy Shrine.
This led him to leap from Chicago to Hollywood, where he became a regular featured performer at various comedy clubs in Los Angeles, CA, including The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, HaHa Comedy Club, and Hollywood Improv.
He also toured as an opening act for comedy rockstars like Jo Koy, Felipe Esparza, and Gabriel Iglesias.
As a marquee name among the new young Latin comedy wave, Flores was scheduled to embark on a national tour with comedy stars Ralph Barbosa and close friend Rene Vaca later this year. Vaca, a regular headliner at Hollywood’s Laugh Factory for his monthly show Leg Day, continued the scheduled Wednesday night event at 10 p.m. in honor of Flores.
When asked about the scheduled tour, Rene Vaca told the Los Angeles Times:
“We were gonna break seven figures [with the income from this tour], we were gonna be millionaires together, it was gonna special, hopefully we can still do it in honor of him and give all the money to his family or something. The timing is so messed up because we just found out the news about the tour the day before and then this happens.”
In December 2024, he filmed his first comedy special with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Productions, which has not yet been released.
Ken Flores filled every room he was in with laughs and good times, treating every person he encountered with love like they were his own family—an unforgettable talent.
We Own The Laughs would like to send a special prayer & condolences to the family and close friends of Ken Flores.
Rest in Paradise Ken!
