American comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong fell victim to a deadly kidnapping scheme in Colombia, orchestrated by a woman he thought he knew. The 50-year-old Asian-American, who frequently visited the South American country and made “new friends” there, met a tragic end in a ravine, his body bearing the brutal marks of over a dozen stab wounds.
According to his brother Eh Xiong, the Minnesota-based comedian had crossed paths with the now-arrested suspect during his trips to Colombia. “He had been in contact with this woman before,” Eh told The Post, revealing that his brother had multiple photos of the woman and her friends on his phone, which later aided the police in tracking down the suspect.
Eh expressed his fear that the suspect had been working to gain his brother’s trust over time, a chilling strategy that culminated in Tou Ger Xiong’s disappearance on Dec. 10. “That day was not the first time they met,” Eh said, haunted by the thought that his brother might have let his guard down.
The plot thickened as Tou Ger Xiong and the kidnappers contacted Eh and a friend, demanding a $2,000 ransom for the comedian’s safe return. Despite these desperate calls, the exchange never happened, leading to the discovery of Xiong’s body in the La Corcovado ravine, marred by stab wounds and injuries consistent with a significant fall.
The woman’s arrest led police to Xiong’s body, giving Eh hope that the remaining culprits would be brought to justice. Adding to the complexity of the case is the anticipation of a toxicology report amidst warnings of kidnappers in Colombia using scopolamine, a potent sedative, on wealthy tourists.
The news of Tou Ger Xiong’s death has sent shockwaves through the Woodbury, MN, community, where he was revered as a local advocate. Born in Laos in 1973, Xiong grew up with a strong sense of compassion, dedicating his life to aiding immigrants in Minnesota. A political science major, he was known for his commitment to equality and his ability to use humor to defuse tensions.
Eh fondly remembered his brother as a beacon of joy and laughter, a man who used his wit and humor not just to entertain but to make a difference. As the community and family mourn the loss of a beloved figure, the tragic circumstances of his death in Colombia paint a harrowing picture of trust betrayed and a life cut tragically short.
