Tragic Loss: Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn, Fatally Shot
The entertainment industry is mourning the untimely death of Jonathan Joss, best known for his role as John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill. Joss was tragically shot dead at the age of 59, an incident described by his husband as a homophobic hate crime, although law enforcement officials report a lack of evidence supporting that claim.
Incident Overview
On a visit to their former residence in Texas, which had been destroyed in a fire earlier this year, Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, encountered a harrowing situation. de Gonzales recounted that a man began shouting aggressive homophobic slurs before opening fire. According to police reports, Joss was tragically shot while trying to protect his partner.
“We were both emotionally distressed after discovering the remains of our beloved dog at the site,” de Gonzales explained in a Facebook post. “As we were expressing our grief, the assailant approached us and unleashed a barrage of hateful slurs followed by gunfire.” He praised Joss, stating, “He saved my life by pushing me out of harm’s way when the shots were fired.”
Law Enforcement Response
Authorities in San Antonio reported that they received calls about a shooting incident. Joss was found lying near a roadway, and the suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has since been arrested and charged with murder. The San Antonio Police Department reassured the public that they are treating the investigation seriously and will adjust charges if new evidence emerges surrounding the nature of the crime.
Remembering Jonathan Joss
Joss was much loved in the entertainment community, having made a lasting mark as Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, as well as his memorable role in King of the Hill from 1997 to 2009. Nick Offerman, who starred alongside Joss in Parks and Recreation, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy, and we are heartbroken over this terrible tragedy.”
The creators of King of the Hill also released a statement honoring Joss, acknowledging the significant contribution he made to the show and extending their condolences to his family and friends. “His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family,” they stated.
Jonathan Joss’s Legacy
Known for his charming and nuanced performances, Jonathan Joss had recently participated in a panel for King of the Hill at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas. His passion for the show was evident; he expressed his disappointment about not being included in the panel despite the series’ profound impact on his life. “That character, that voice, that story… they were my home,” he shared in a prior Facebook post.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Death of Jonathan Joss | 6 days ago |
| Marriage to Tristan Kern de Gonzales | Valentine’s Day 2023 |
| King of the Hill Revival Release | August 4, 2023 |
Conclusion
In a world that has been significantly impacted by loss and violence, the story of Jonathan Joss serves as a stark reminder of the need for love and understanding. As his friends, family, and fans reflect on his life and contributions to entertainment, the legacy he leaves behind endures through the characters he brought to life and the love he shared with those around him.
