Tragic Death of Actor Jonathan Joss
Jonathan Joss, best known for his role as the voice of John Redcorn on the iconic animated series King of the Hill, was fatally shot in what his husband claims was a homophobic attack. The incident occurred while the couple was visiting the site of their former home in Texas, which had recently been destroyed by fire.
Details of the Incident
The unfortunate event unfolded when Joss, who was 59 years old, and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, returned to their old property, a site they had previously faced threats regarding. Gonzales recounted that upon arriving, they discovered the skull of one of their dogs displayed ominously, triggering an emotional response. It was during this distressing moment that a man approached them, shouting violent homophobic slurs before pulling out a gun and opening fire.
“When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” Gonzales shared with deep sorrow. “We were not armed and posed no threat; we were merely grieving together.” Joss and Gonzales had recently celebrated their marriage on Valentine’s Day and were actively seeking a new home together.
Ongoing Investigation
Local authorities confirmed the shooting took place in San Antonio, where Joss was ultimately found by police lying near the road. A suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. However, the Texas police currently have not substantiated claims that the shooting was driven by hate, stating, “the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation.”
The couple had reportedly faced over two years of harassment, with threats culminating in the fire that destroyed their residence. Gonzales expressed on social media the profound emotional distress caused by the environment they had lived in.
Industry Reactions
The news of Joss’s death has rocked the entertainment community. Fellow actor Nick Offerman, who worked with Joss on Parks and Recreation, expressed his condolences, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy, and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.” The creators of King of the Hill also shared a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging Joss’s significant contribution to the series and extending sympathies to his family and friends.
A Legacy Remembered
Joss’s beloved character, John Redcorn, was a staple on King of the Hill, which originally aired from 1997 to 2009 and is now set to be revived. Joss was recently seen participating in a panel for the show at the ATX Television Festival, showcasing his lasting connection to the series. His absence will surely be felt by fans and colleagues alike.
| Key Events | Date |
|---|---|
| Marriage of Jonathan Joss and Tristan Gonzales | February 14, 2023 |
| Destruction of their home by fire | January 2023 |
| Shooting incident | Date of incident not disclosed |
Conclusion
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Jonathan Joss will be remembered as a talented actor and a cherished member of the television community. His impact on King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation will continue to resonate with fans for years to come.
