US comic Ken Flores dies at 28

'W are all shocked and devastated by this loss'

American stand-up Ken Flores has died aged 28 while on tour.

A statement posted on his Instagram page said simply: ‘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.’

The Chicago-based comedian was part way through his 33-date Butterfly Effect tour when he died. He was due to play Phoenix, Arizona, tonight and neighbouring Tempe over the weekend.

Celebrity website TMZ reported that Flores died on Tuesday at his home after a cardiac arrest. No official cause of death has been released by Flores’ family.

The comic had amassed over 250,000 followers across social media and was known for his ‘unfiltered and unapologetic humour’.

Flores was due to play Phoenix, Arizona, tonight and neighbouring Tempe over the weekend.

The Hollywood Improv paid tribute to Flores on X, writing: ‘We were honored to share your talent on our stages. You were greatness, and it was only a matter of time until the whole world saw it. You were also kind and a tremendous friend to all lucky enough to know you. We love you Ken, thank you for all the laughs.’

Flores had often spoken about taking cocaine, drinking too much and being overweight, including an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myZWLX1F7E0">emergency admission to hospital</a> for a raft health problems, including high blood pressure, where he stayed for 10 days and doctors told him: ‘You’ve got to help yourself or else you’ll die.'

Here he is on stage.

Published: 30 Jan 2025