This week’s shocking and horrifying news from the world of reality TV:
Xol, who was a singer and actor before appearing on seven seasons of Extreme Makeover, was found on the morning of September 20 by authorities in Palm Springs, California.
According to the Riverside County Coroner, Xol was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead from multiple stab wounds.
He was 58 years old.
A man named Richard Joseph Gonzales was arrested for the apparent murder.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Xol,” the reality star’s loved ones said in a statement Wednesday.
“As your family, we know that your kindness has touched the lives of so many. We ask that this kindness be reciprocated now by allowing our privacy to be respected as we process our grief.
“In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Eduardo’s name to the Lupus Foundation of America, as he spent much of his life in service to others.”
Xol is best known for his work on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where he joined the cast of the reality show’s second season as a designer; he has appeared in over 60 episodes.
The late 58-year-old also appeared in several soap operas early in his career, including “Acapulco, cuerpo y alma,” “Sentimientos Ajenos” and “La Jaula de Oro.”
Meanwhile, police allege Gonzales called police the morning of the stabbing to say he had been assaulted the night before.
After following up, authorities say they determined Gonzales was at the scene of the stabbing and was “likely the suspect.”
Xol and Gonzales were “associates,” police allege, although it is unclear at this time the nature of their relationship.
Following Xol’s death, his friend Richard Pérez-Feria took to social media to share a moving tribute.
“It is almost incomprehensible that I am writing this post as a farewell to someone who was so present, so important in my life,” Pérez-Feria wrote.
“When I heard that Eduardo Xol had passed away, I was paralyzed. It was impossible to process this information, as it did not match my thousands of experiences with him. Please do not ask me how or why at this moment… what matters most is who he was: a talented, beautiful and passionate friend, brother, son and partner.
“The millions of laughs, hopes and secrets we shared remain in my thoughts.
“I want to honor my dear friend and celebrate his life as one that mattered to so many. He certainly mattered to me. Sending healing love at this horrible time to his circle of friends and family who loved him so much.”
“Unfortunately, tomorrow is not promised. Love each other. Rest in peace, Eduardo.”