Tragic Death of Actor Jonathan Joss
In a heartbreaking incident, Jonathan Joss, renowned for his roles in popular television series such as King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation, was shot and killed recently at the age of 59. Joss was primarily known for voicing the character John Redcorn on King of the Hill from 1997 until its conclusion in 2009, as well as portraying Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation.
According to Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the shooting stemmed from a homophobic hate crime. De Gonzales recounted that while the couple was visiting the site of their old home, which had tragically burned down earlier this year, they encountered a man who began shouting violent slurs. The situation quickly escalated, with the man drawing a weapon and opening fire.
Circumstances Surrounding the Tragedy
The couple had returned to their former property to retrieve their mail, where they discovered distressing remnants of their past—a dog’s skull and harness, left in plain sight. De Gonzales emotionally described the moment, stating, “This caused both of us severe emotional distress. We began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw.” It was during this vulnerable moment that the assailant approached them and opened fire.
“Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” de Gonzales revealed, adding that the couple was unarmed and merely grieving the loss of their home and the memories associated with it.
Investigations and Arrest
The San Antonio Police Department responded to reports of the shooting and found Joss lying near a roadway. A suspect identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja has since been taken into custody on charges of murder. Authorities are currently investigating the motives behind the shooting and have stated that there is “no evidence to indicate that Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation.”
Joss’s partner had previously detailed that they endured threats from neighbors for over two years leading up to their home’s fire, suggesting that animosity had been directed toward them long before this tragic event.
Memorials Pour In
The shocking news of Joss’s passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from friends and former co-stars. Nick Offerman, a fellow actor from Parks and Recreation, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.” Creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson of King of the Hill also released a heartfelt statement, saying, “His voice will be missed, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family.”
A Final Farewell
Just days before his death, Joss participated in a panel at the ATX Television Festival, reminiscing about his time with the show. He had expressed feelings of exclusion for not being invited to participate in the event, highlighting the deep connection he felt toward the series that helped shape his career.
As the entertainment community remembers Jonathan Joss, we honor a life marked by talent, love, and dedication to his craft—a man who, even in his last moments, exemplified selflessness and bravery.
Career Highlights
| Role | Show | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| John Redcorn | King of the Hill | 1997-2009 |
| Chief Ken Hotate | Parks and Recreation | 2009-2015 |
