Ken Flores passed away weeks after beginning his tour across the US, which still has tickets for upcoming shows available online.
A day after penning a message about his tour on X, stand-up comedy star Ken Flores sadly passed away on January 28, 2025. He was only 28 years old.
According to records presented by the LA County Medical Examiner, Flores was found dead at his residence on Tuesday. The official case file, identified as case number 2025-01879, remains open, with the cause of death deferred.
The report lists Dr. Lawrence Nguyen as the Deputy Medical Examiner overseeing the case, with Joseph Cronin assigned as the investigator.
In the wake of Flores’ passing, Hollywood Improv, a well-known comedy club that had hosted the stand-up star, shared a statement on Instagram expressing their devastation.
The message confirmed his untimely passing and described him as a friend, brother, and son. They also requested privacy, emphasizing that his loved ones were in shock and mourning this immense loss.
Accompanying the statement, Hollywood Improv included a heartfelt caption acknowledging Flores’ impact on the comedy scene. “We were honored to give him a stage to share his talent. Sending so much love to his family and the comedy community 🖤🤍,” they penned.
TMZ released additional details surrounding Flores’ demise. According to the outlet, which cited law enforcement figures as their source, Flores suffered cardiac arrest at his residence on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency responders were dispatched after someone at the scene dialed 911 and attempted to administer CPR while awaiting paramedics. Despite their efforts, Flores was pronounced dead at the scene. TMZ also states that no foul play is suspected in his passing.
Flores’ death comes amid a bustling comedy tour that had him traveling across the country to perform. His website still lists multiple upcoming shows, with tickets available for dates stretching all the way to June 2025.
According to the schedule, he was set to perform at venues such as Desert Ridge Improv in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 30, followed by a multi-night run at Tempe Improv before heading to Zanies Comedy Night Club in Nashville on February 5.
His tour, Butterfly Effect, had additional stops in Philadelphia, Austin, Sacramento, Rosemont, San Diego, and El Paso, with the final scheduled date at Comic Strip Comedy Club on June 7.
Days before his untimely death, Flores, whose last show was on January 25, appeared excited about his upcoming performances. He shared photos on Instagram from a show, posing alongside fellow comedians.
Ken Flores performing alongside fellow comedians, posted on January 24, 2025. | Source: Instagram/kenflores300
In his short and sweet caption, he hyped up his next tour stop, writing, “ATL PULL UP ON ME FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. 🚀.”
As mentioned earlier, just a day before his death, Flores took to X (formerly Twitter) to share what would become his final message with fans.
Reflecting on the start of his comedy tour, he expressed pride in his recent performances, stating, “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,” concluded the late comedy star.
The LatinXL Comedy Show, a platform that Flores helped build and shape, shared a deeply emotional tribute on their official Instagram page, mourning the loss of the comedian they considered not just a colleague, but family.
Accompanying their statement was a collage of images capturing Flores performing, laughing with fellow comedians, and promoting the show that became a defining part of his career.
In their message, the LatinXL group revealed they had waited to make an official announcement out of respect for Flores’ team. Expressing the profound impact he had on their lives, they described him as “a brother to all of us. A dear friend. An inspiration. And frankly, the best.”
They reflected on his journey from local comedy stages to Hollywood, noting how he had taken the industry by storm.
The team also reminisced about its humble beginnings, born out of late-night conversations and backyard shows during the pandemic, with the mission of creating opportunities for Latino comedians in a space where those chances were often scarce.
They credited Flores as an integral part of its foundation, explaining that the XL in LatinXL was a direct nod to his “extra-large personality” and undeniable stage presence.
They ended their heartfelt tribute with a message of gratitude and love, “We will always love you, Ken. Thanks for literally everything and beyond.”
Flores’ rise in the comedy world was nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in Chicago, he got his start in stand-up after working as a bank teller, where he was encouraged by a regular customer—who happened to own a comedy club—to take the stage.
From that first open mic, he was hooked, quickly developing his craft and earning spots at top venues across Chicago and Los Angeles.
Unlike many comedians who spend years grinding through countless open mics, Flores’ career took off rapidly. His sharp wit and natural stage presence earned him paid gigs early on, and he built an impressive following through social media, sharing clips of his performances that resonated with fans nationwide.
His authenticity and raw storytelling, often centered around his personal experiences, made him a standout voice in the comedy scene.
Flores’ career took a major leap in 2022 when he hit the road for the first time, touring alongside Martin Amini and later co-headlining with Rene Vaca. His talent and growing fanbase allowed him to transition into full-time touring, a milestone that many comedians take years to achieve.
Despite relocating to Los Angeles, he spent most of his time on the road, performing in new cities and constantly refining his material.
Beyond the stage, Flores was deeply committed to his craft, always striving to improve. He worked tirelessly to develop new material, aiming to ensure that no two performances were the same.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Flores leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and an undeniable mark on the comedy world. His journey from a small-stage performer to a nationally recognized touring comedian is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and unwavering love for stand-up.
At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to all of Flores’ loved ones and hope for their healing as they mourn the loss of a bright star. Rest in peace, Flores.
