Tragic Loss of Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn
In a heartbreaking incident, Jonathan Joss, the beloved voice behind John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill, was fatally shot at the age of 59. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, alleges that the murder was a result of a homophobic hate crime, though local police have stated that there is currently no evidence to support that claim.
Details of the Incident
The tragic event unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, where Joss and Gonzales had returned to the site of their former residence, which had been devastated by a fire earlier this year. According to Gonzales, upon arrival, they stumbled upon a misplaced dog skull and its harness, which triggered an emotional response from the couple. “While we were expressing our distress, a man approached us, shouting violent homophobic slurs before opening fire on us,” Gonzales recounted. “Jonathan managed to push me out of the way, ultimately saving my life.”
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Following the incident, police arrived to find Joss lying on the ground with severe injuries. In connection with the shooting, a suspect named Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja has been arrested and is facing murder charges. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to investigating all angles of the case. “Although there are claims circulating online regarding the nature of this crime, our current findings do not indicate that Mr. Joss’s sexual orientation played a role,” the San Antonio Police Department clarified.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Joss’s passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from fellow actors and colleagues. Notably, Nick Offerman, who starred alongside Joss in Parks and Recreation, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy. We loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.” The creators of King of the Hill, Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, released a statement mourning Joss’s loss and acknowledged his significant contribution to the series.
A Legacy in Animation
Joss’s character, John Redcorn, a recurring role from 1997 to 2009, represented a significant part of the King of the Hill storyline, which explored the lives of a propane salesman and his family in Texas. Fans were looking forward to a revival of the show, which is set to premiere on August 4 on Hulu, where Joss was expected to reprise his iconic role.
A Life Cut Short
Gonzales shared details of their life together, emphasizing the love they shared. “I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved. We were in the process of searching for a trailer after our wedding on Valentine’s Day.” The couple had been enduring threats for over two years before the fire that destroyed their house.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Wedding of Jonathan Joss and Tristan Kern de Gonzales | February 14, 2025 |
| Fire that destroyed their home | January 2025 |
| Premiere of King of the Hill revival | August 4, 2025 |
| Date of Jonathan Joss’s passing | June 3, 2025 |
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a cherished voice in animation and a life taken far too soon.
