Tragic Death of Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn
In a shocking incident, actor Jonathan Joss, renowned for his roles in animated series “King of the Hill” and “Parks and Recreation,” has been fatally shot. The incident, described by his husband as potentially motivated by hate, is currently under investigation by local authorities who have found no evidence to support this claim.
The Incident
Joss, aged 59, was visiting the site of his former home in Texas, which had been destroyed by fire earlier this year. Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Joss’s husband, recounted that while at the site to retrieve their mail, they were confronted by a man who shouted violent homophobic remarks before opening fire. In his emotional account shared on social media, Gonzales described discovering the remains of one of their pets, which led to a distressing scene between the couple.
“As we stood there, grieving and expressing our pain, a man approached us and began yelling slurs,” Gonzales posted. “He fired a weapon from his lap, and in that moment, Jonathan saved my life by pushing me out of the way.”
Response from Authorities
The local police in San Antonio have initiated an investigation into Joss’s death, with Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja being arrested on suspicion of murder. A police statement emphasized that the ongoing investigation has found no current evidence linking Joss’s murder to his sexual orientation, despite online claims suggesting otherwise. “The investigators take these allegations very seriously,” they assured, pledging to act on any new evidence that might emerge.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Joss’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community. Nick Offerman, known for his role in “Parks and Recreation,” expressed his sorrow, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy, and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
Creators of “King of the Hill,” Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, also released a heartfelt statement, saying, “Jonathan Joss brought King of the Hill’s John Redcorn to life for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming revival. His voice will be missed, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family.”
Legacy and Career
Aside from voicing John Redcorn, Joss played a recurring character, Chief Ken Hotate, in “Parks and Recreation.” His work in these beloved series has won him a place in the hearts of many fans. Most recently, he participated in a panel for “King of the Hill” at the ATX Television Festival, expressing his deep connection to the character he portrayed for many years.
In a poignant reflection on his character, Joss shared how integral it was to his life, describing it as his “home, pride, and connection to something bigger than myself.” His absence will surely be felt both on and off the screen.
Upcoming Revivals
As the revival of “King of the Hill” approaches, set to debut on Hulu on August 4, fans and cast alike are left to mourn the loss of a cherished member of their community.
| Role | Show | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| John Redcorn | King of the Hill | 1997 – 2009 |
| Chief Ken Hotate | Parks and Recreation | Recurring Role |
As the conversation about his life and contributions continues, Jonathan Joss’s memory will undoubtedly live on through the characters he brought to life and the impact he had on countless fans.
