Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Chris Pratt Mourns Lost Friend: Shocking Twist in Jonathan Joss's Tragic Death

Chris Pratt has paid an emotional tribute to his murdered former Parks & Recreation co-star Jonathan Joss after he was allegedly shot by his neighbor - Pratt pictured 2023

SHOCKING MURDER ROCKS HOLLYWOOD: Chris Pratt Pays Emotional Tribute to Beloved Co-Star Jonathan Joss

In a tragic turn of events, beloved actor Jonathan Joss was brutally murdered by his neighbor in San Antonio, Texas, sending shockwaves through the Hollywood community. The 59-year-old Parks and Recreation alum, who played the charming Chief Ken Hotate, was shot multiple times after an altercation with Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, a suspect who is currently being held on $200K bond.

The news has left fans reeling, with many taking to social media to express their condolences. Chris Pratt, Joss's former co-star and close friend, paid tribute to the late actor in an emotional Instagram post, writing: "Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude... Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones."

Pratt, 45, wrote: ' Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude. He played Ken Hotate in Parks and was also in Mag 7. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones'

But what exactly led to this senseless tragedy? According to Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Joss's widow, their relationship was being harassed by openly homophobic individuals who did not accept their union. In a heart-wrenching Facebook post, Gonzales revealed that the couple had been subjected to two years of harassment, which ultimately culminated in Ceja's violent outburst.

"He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us," Gonzales wrote. "He then raised a gun from his lap and fired... Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life."

The San Antonio Police Department has since dismissed claims that Joss's murder was a hate crime, stating that there is no evidence to support this theory. However, many are still pointing fingers at Ceja's alleged motives.

Pratt is pictured as Andy in Parks & Recreation season 1 in 20089

As news of Joss's passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are paying tribute to his remarkable life and career. Nick Offerman, who played Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, broke his silence on Tuesday, saying: "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. A terrible tragedy."

Joss's impressive resume boasts an array of notable roles, including voicing characters in CD Projekt RED's video game Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty alongside Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba. He also had small but memorable roles in TV shows like Walker Texas Ranger, Charmed, ER, Ray Donovan, and Tulsa King.

But it was his iconic role as Chief Ken Hotate that cemented his place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Joss's talent and charisma left a lasting impact on the beloved NBC sitcom, which aired from 2011-2015.

However San Antonio PD have said they currently have no evidence Joss' murder was a hate crime

As news of Joss's passing continues to spread, fans are coming together to mourn the loss of this incredible actor. One fan penned on X (formerly Twitter): "Such a tremendous loss... His talent and spirit will be deeply missed." Another wrote: "Rest in peace. So so sad."

But amidst the outpouring of grief, many are also calling for justice for Joss's tragic murder. As Tristan Kern de Gonzales said: "My focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and honoring the life we built together."

UPDATE: A GoFundMe has been set up to support Joss's family in their time of need.

Jonathan Joss's Filmography:

  • Parks and Recreation (2011-2015)
  • CD Projekt RED's video game Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (2023)
  • Unplugged (animated drama, voice role)
  • King of the Hill (voiced character, John Redcorn)
  • Mag 7
  • True Grit
  • The Magnificent Seven
  • Pocahontas 2: Journey to a New World
  • Johnson Family Vacation

Rest in peace, Jonathan Joss. Your talent and spirit will be deeply missed.

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