**Parks and Recreation Cast Unite in Grief Following Death of Co-Star Jonathan Joss**
The cast and community surrounding the beloved television show ‘Parks and Recreation’ have been left heartbroken after the tragic death of Jonathan Joss, who famously portrayed Chief Ken Hotate in the iconic sitcom. Joss, aged 59, was fatally shot in San Antonio on Saturday, 31 May 2025, in an incident that has both shocked and galvanised his former colleagues and supporters of the show.
Nick Offerman, known for his role as Ron Swanson on ‘Parks and Recreation,’ spoke out about the collective mourning among the cast. Speaking to PEOPLE magazine in a heartfelt statement, Offerman revealed, “The cast has been texting together about it all day and we’re just heartbroken. Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
The sense of loss has reverberated beyond Offerman, as the ensemble cast, which also includes Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Aubrey Plaza and Rashida Jones, remembered Joss not only for his professionalism, but also for his warmth on set. The American sitcom, renowned for its blend of quirky humour and poignant storytelling, ran from 2009 to 2015, and Joss’s recurring role left a lasting mark on both fans and his fellow performers.
Prior to his time on ‘Parks and Recreation’, Joss was also known for voicing the character John Redcorn in the popular animated series ‘King of the Hill’, earning him recognition in both live action and animated formats.
Details surrounding the tragedy have since been revealed by local authorities. San Antonio police have stated that the alleged assailant, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, fled the scene by car before being apprehended and charged with murder.
Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Joss’s husband, took to Facebook to explain the traumatic circumstances leading up to and following the shooting. According to his account, the couple were visiting the site of their former home—destroyed previously in an arson attack following years of threats and intimidation from local individuals opposed to their relationship.
“Throughout that time we were harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship,” Kern de Gonzales wrote. He described experiencing ongoing threats, some explicitly homophobic, and noted that their repeated reports to law enforcement resulted in no resolution.
Upon returning to the site to check their mail, the couple discovered remains and the harness of one of their dogs placed in clear sight—a distressing act which Kern de Gonzales stated provoked their anguished response. It was at this moment, amidst their pain, that a man began hurling violent homophobic abuse before opening fire.
Joss’s final act, according to his husband, was one of bravery and selflessness. “Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving… When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” his husband shared in the same post, offering a powerful testament to Joss’s character.
Still newlyweds, the couple had plans for the future, including moving into a new home together. “He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,” Kern de Gonzales wrote, highlighting the senseless nature of the attack.
The death of Jonathan Joss has not only devastated those who knew and loved him but has renewed discussions surrounding homophobia, violence, and the need for community support and vigilance. The shockwaves continue to be felt, as fans, colleagues and the wider public express their grief and demand justice.
As police continue their investigation, the entertainment world remembers Joss for the joy he brought to his performances and for the humanity he shared with those around him. His legacy, both on and off the screen, looks set to endure, cherished by the many he touched throughout his life and career.