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The entertainment world has been shaken by the sudden and tragic death of actor Jonathan Joss, best known for his role as Chief Ken Hotate on NBC's Parks and Recreation and as the voice of John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill. Joss, aged 59, was fatally shot over the weekend near his home in San Antonio, Texas.
Authorities responded to reports of an active shooting and found Joss near the roadway. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have confirmed that a suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and that the investigation remains ongoing.
Joss' husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed the tragedy and shared heart-wrenching details about the incident. The couple, married just this past February, were checking their mail when they were approached by a man wielding a gun. De Gonzales stated that Jonathan saved his life by pushing him out of the line of fire, taking the fatal shot himself. He added that the attacker yelled homophobic slurs before opening fire.
While police acknowledged public concerns over the motive, they stated that no evidence currently supports that the murder was a hate crime. This contrasts sharply with de Gonzales' account, which includes a history of harassment and targeted slurs toward the couple. The murder comes just months after a fire destroyed their home and claimed the lives of their three dogs, adding yet another layer of devastation to an already tragic year.
Nick Offerman, Joss' former Parks and Recreation co-star, released an emotional statement to People, calling the news "heartbreaking" and recalling Joss as a "sweet guy" who was beloved by the cast. The show's fans have also taken to social media to mourn the actor's death and honor his contributions to television and Native American representation in media.
Beyond his work in comedy and animation, Joss had also appeared in Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, and the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven. His career was marked by a strong commitment to bringing indigenous stories and characters to life on screen.
Jonathan Joss' legacy now rests in both his artistic contributions and the bravery with which he lived—and ultimately died. His memory remains not just in the characters he portrayed, but in the powerful and tragic story of a man who died protecting the person he loved.
