Sep 26
'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Star Eduardo Xol Dies in Palm Springs after Stabbing
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Eduardo Xol, the 58-year-old advocate and designer of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" fame, died in a Palm Springs hospital ten days after a stabbing attack in his apartment, numerous publications reported.
Police have a suspect in custody, The Wrap reported.
"The Palm Springs Police Department is currently investigating the incident, though authorities have reportedly arrested 34-year-old Richard Joseph Gonzalez under suspicions of attempted murder in connection to Xol's death," The Wrap's writeup detailed, adding that the suspect "is currently being held without bail."
"Xol died Friday [Sept. 20] at the Desert Regional Medical Center after sustaining injuries during an apparent stabbing on Sept. 10 in Palm Springs, according to a report issued by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department," The Hollywood Reporter relayed.
Xol had been an advocate for people living with lupus and an equality supporter, partnering with GLAAD and The Trevor Project for PSAs.
In a statement to The Wrap, Xol's family called themselves "heartbroken" at his death. "As his family, we know that his kindness has touched the lives of so many," the statement said. "We ask for that kindness returned now 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 so much of his life in the service of others," the statement added.
"Before becoming a TV designer on 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,' Xol studied theater at UCLA and was a keyboardist and percussionist," THR recalled. "He also produced musical theater and comedy revues that toured the U.S.
"Born in Los Angeles to Mexican-American parents, he also acted in TV music and video projects in Latin America," THR added.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
