Chicago-born comedian Ken Flores has died at age 28, his family announced on Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother and son, Kenyi Flores,” they wrote on Instagram. “Please respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”
While his family did not confirm a cause of death, law enforcement sources said Flores died after suffering cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home Tuesday afternoon, according to TMZ. Police do not suspect foul play.
The comedian had recently kicked of the first leg of his Butterfly Effect Tour, and last performed in Georgia over the weekend. He was scheduled to bring his tour to Arizona on Thursday for four shows in Phoenix and Tempe.
Among those mourning his death was the Hollywood Improv comedy club.
“We were honored to share your talent on our stages,” the club wrote on Instagram. “You were greatness, and it was only a matter of time until the whole world saw it.”
Videos posted to Instagram show Flores putting his comedy skills to work while engaging audience members from the stage. In one of his bits, he jokes about being a felon who was fired from Starbucks for stealing tips.
“I was,” he confessed, claiming he planned to use that money for cocaine. “They were trying to do diversity and hired my dumb ass,” he quipped to loud applause.
Flores also joked about being overweight at a recent show in suburban Chicago where he fell walking onto the stage, but came up laughing and said he probably shouldn’t drink anymore.
Flores said he could imagine looking back on the night he fell onstage 30 years later and still feeling embarrassed. He joked he would hang himself after the show, but that probably wouldn’t work either because of his size.
“The rope gonna’ break — that’s even going to be more embarrassing,” he cracked.
Fans and colleagues online lamented Flores’ death at such a young age.
“He was a legend in the making,” comic Chris D’elia said.
