Tou Ger Xiong Wiki, Obituary, Age, Ethnicity, Wife, Parents & More

All About Comedian and Social Justice Activist Tou Ger Xiong

Tou Ger Xiong (age 50, 1973 – December 11, 2023) was a American Comedian, Storyteller and Social Justice Activist who became the unfortunate victim of kidnappers in Colombia. His lifeless body, marked by a dozen stab wounds, was later recovered from the Mekong River.

A mere few days prior to this tragic turn of events, Xiong was caught on camera on December 3, radiating positivity amid a spirited crowd at the highly anticipated Karol G concert in Medellín.

The comedian’s infectious smiles and cheers filled the footage as he basked in the lively atmosphere, surrounded by fireworks and an ecstatic audience reveling in the performance of the Latin Grammy winner.

However, just a week later, what was supposed to be a simple date with a mystery woman Xiong had met on social media spiraled into a nightmare.

Instead of a planned rendezvous, he found himself the target of a violent attack and kidnapping orchestrated by a group of men.

This heartbreaking incident sheds light on a disturbing trend, especially in major Colombian cities like Medellín, where individuals, particularly affluent tourists, fall prey to honeytrap schemes.

In these schemes, unsuspecting individuals are lured into perilous situations by women they’ve encountered online, only to face assault by criminal gangs.

Who Killed Tou Ger Xiong?

In December 2023, Tou Ger Xiong tragically lost his life in Medellin, Colombia. The sad news broke online through El Colombiano, detailing the discovery of Xiong’s body in the Corcovado ravine in the Robledo La Pola neighborhood.

Reports described a brutal incident, with Xiong having multiple stab wounds and signs of blunt force trauma.

While on vacation in Medellin, Xiong’s attempt to meet a woman from social media took a dark turn. Instead of the planned meeting, he was held captive by unidentified individuals who demanded a ransom from his friends and family.

Shockingly, on December 11, 2023, authorities confirmed the kidnappers’ grim decision to end his life, possibly as retribution for an attempted escape. Xiong’s lifeless body was found in a wooded area of the Robledo neighborhood, showing over a dozen stab wounds and numerous bruises, indicating a fall of about 60 feet into a tributary.

When authorities arrived at Xiong’s apartment, they encountered a woman removing items. Despite attempts to question her, she managed to escape.

Sources reveal that Xiong’s tragic demise marks the 27th violent death of non-migrant foreigners in the Aburrá Valley region this year, covering homicides, suicides, accidents, and narcotic overdoses.

This distressing incident follows three other foreign tourist deaths in the previous month, including two Americans.

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Xiong Was Born In Laos

In 1973, Tou Ger Xiong (age 50), was born in Laos. A defining moment occurred on May 14, 1975, when, at the age of 2, Tou Ger’s parents and eight siblings undertook a daring escape from Laos amidst a monsoon rainstorm.

His father, Xia Ge Xiong, a captain in the CIA-trained Hmong army, keenly sensed the imminent danger posed by the Laotian communist regime.

Driven by this peril, he converted the family’s life savings into silver bars, securing passage with Thai fishermen across the Mekong River to evade the looming threat. Just eight days after this perilous escape, Tou Ger’s youngest sister, May Lee Vue, came into the world.

The Xiong family, expanding to 11 siblings, endured four years in a Thailand refugee camp. Their resilience shone as they underwent rigorous vetting before finding a new home in St. Paul. Starting in a Frogtown duplex, they later moved to the Dunedin housing project on the west side, shaping Tou Ger’s formative years.

Navigating the hurdles of adolescence, Tou Ger attended Humboldt High School in St. Paul. For higher education, his path led to Carleton College in Northfield.

From the rainy escape in Laos to the academic corridors of Northfield, Tou Ger Xiong’s journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter future.

Xiong’s Career and Activism

Tou Ger Xiong, a beloved comedian, left an indelible mark on fans across the nation during his remarkable 20-year career. He not only wowed audiences in 46 states, from Maine to California, with his comedic genius but also built a dedicated following.

What’s remarkable is how he spread joy even in unexpected places like Bemidji, Beltrami County, where he bonded with former Vikings player Joey Browner over a round of golf. Beyond the stage, Xiong was a passionate advocate for his community.

As a Hmong American, he used his platform to share personal stories nationwide, fostering understanding and confronting the pervasive issue of racial discrimination.

Acknowledging both the successes and ongoing challenges of the Hmong community in pursuing the American Dream, Xiong dedicated himself to shedding light on disparities in employment, education, and homeownership. But his impact went beyond the spotlight.

By actively documenting his community engagement and anti-racism efforts, he aimed to amplify voices and spark positive change. Through his meaningful work, Xiong aimed to inspire a new generation of activists and contribute to building a more inclusive and fair society.

Tou Ger Xiong’s Married Life

Tou Ger Xiong once embarked on the journey of marriage with Andrea Bennett. Their connection began unexpectedly during one of Xiong’s captivating performances at a karaoke bar, where shared interests drew them together.

Breaking from the traditional Hmong custom of marrying within the community for heritage preservation, Xiong bravely prioritized his love for Bennett. They exchanged vows on May 28, 2011. Andrea, a notable figure herself, received recognition as Mrs. Minnesota International in 2013 and Mrs. Minnesota America in 2017.

For seven years, Xiong and Bennett shared their lives. However, as time passed, they faced the difficult reality of going separate ways. While the private intricacies of their marriage and subsequent separation remain undisclosed, it’s known that the couple was in the process of finalizing their divorce in 2019.

Tou Ger Xiong FAQs

Ques: How old was Tou Ger Xiong?

Ans: Tou was 50.

Ques: What ethnicity was Tou Ger Xiong?

Ans: Asian.

Ques: What is the name of Tou Ger Xiong’s ex-wife?

Ans: Andrea Bennett.