Kenyi Flores, a promising comedian in the Los Angeles stand-up scene, tragically passed away at the age of 28, as confirmed by his manager, Cameron Silzle. His body was found at his home on Tuesday afternoon, but the cause of death has not yet been disclosed. The news was shared through his family’s Instagram account, expressing their heartfelt grief and requesting privacy during this devastating time.
Originally hailing from Chicago, Flores made a significant impact in the L.A. comedy scene, performing at prominent venues such as the Laugh Factory, the Comedy Store, and Hollywood Improv. He had recently formed friendships and collaborations with well-known comedians like Gabriel Iglesias, Jo Koy, and Felipe Esparza. Flores was at the forefront of the next generation of Latin comedians and was set to embark on a national tour alongside Ralph Barbosa and his close friend, Rene Vaca.
Vaca shared the emotional weight of the situation, noting how they had recently discussed their ambitious tour plans. “We were gonna break seven figures… hopefully we can still do it in honor of him,” he said, expressing the desire to support Flores’s family through any potential success from the tour.
Tributes for Flores quickly flooded in from the comedy community. Comedian Jo Koy, who was in Japan when he heard the news, shared his sorrow and recalled his encouraging messages to Flores. Gabriel Iglesias also reflected on their time together, stating, “he was hilarious but above all he was kind, respectful and fun to be around.” Felipe Esparza honored him as a younger brother with a vibrant spirit, while Ralph Barbosa highlighted Flores’s genuine and hardworking nature as a performer.
Just days before his passing, Flores proudly shared on social media that he had completed his tour shows alcohol-free, marking a personal milestone. He was in the midst of a tour that began on January 10 in Portland and was slated to wrap up in San Diego on April 19. Additionally, he had recently filmed his first comedy special, which has yet to be released.
In this moment of sorrow, the legacy of Kenyi Flores as not just a talented comedian, but a cherished friend and a loving person, will continue to resonate within the comedic community. His ability to connect with audiences through relatable material and heartfelt humor will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated as his friends and colleagues strive to honor his memory.
Summary: Kenyi Flores, a beloved 28-year-old comedian from Los Angeles, recently passed away. He was admired for his unique comedic style and genuine personality, having made an impact in the industry among fellow comedians. His friends plan to continue their scheduled tour in tribute to him, emphasizing the profound influence he had on the comedy community.