Comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong fell victim to a horrifying crime while on holiday in Medellin, Colombia. His tragic death has left his family, friends, and the comedy world in shock and mourning.
Fifty-year-old Tou Ger Xiong, known for his advocacy for the Hmong people and his stand-up comedy, arrived in Colombia on November 29 with plans to spend time in the country.
On Sunday, he arranged to meet a woman he had recently connected with online for a date. However, this seemingly ordinary evening took a gruesome turn when he was ambushed by a group of men during their meeting, The Mirror reports.
Xiong was held hostage by this group, who contacted his family and friends, demanding a ransom of $2,000 for his release.
Desperate to save Xiong, his family reached out to the authorities. Tragically, on Monday, it was confirmed that the comedian had been brutally murdered before any agreement could be reached. An ongoing investigation is focused on whether an attempted escape led to his tragic end.
The discovery of Xiong's body in the waters of La Corcovado ravine revealed multiple stab wounds and signs of blunt force trauma. Investigators also noted that he had sustained bruises on his body, potentially caused by a harrowing 60-foot fall into the tributary.
In a chilling development, authorities arrived at Xiong's apartment after the discovery of his body, only to find a woman hastily removing his belongings from his room. When they attempted to question her, she fled the scene. This adds another layer of intrigue to an already perplexing and tragic case.
Eh Xiong, Tou's brother, released a statement expressing the family's heartache and determination to seek justice for this "heinous crime." He described Tou Ger Xiong as a cherished family member and emphasized the indescribable pain of his loss.
Tou Ger Xiong's passing has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with tributes pouring in from those who knew and admired him. Former Minnesota state senator Mee Moua paid her respects to him, describing him as a "one of a kind modern-day hero" and expressing her profound grief.
Xiong, a Laotian-American comedian, educator, and advocate, hailed from St. Paul, Minnesota. He was renowned for his tireless efforts to uplift the Hmong people, an indigenous group primarily residing in Southeast Asia.
Senator Amy Klobuchar also shared her condolences, calling Xiong "an incredible person who was constantly working to uplift his community." She mentioned that her office is in contact with Xiong's family and the embassy in Colombia to facilitate the return of his body to Minnesota, emphasizing that her thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
In recognition of his impactful social justice work and efforts to combat racial discrimination, Tou Ger Xiong was named a Bush Fellow in 2019. He touched countless lives by sharing his personal stories across the country to build cultural competency and address pressing issues of discrimination and inequality.
