Eduardo Xol of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Dies Following Stabbing Incident at 58
ICARO Media Group
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Eduardo Xol, well-known designer from ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," passed away at the age of 58, one week after suffering a stabbing attack. The fatal incident occurred on September 10 in Palm Springs, California. Xol succumbed to his injuries on Thursday at Desert Regional Medical Center, as stated by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Initial reports by TMZ revealed that Xol was found severely injured after calling the police for help. Despite being deemed in serious but stable condition at the time, his wounds proved too critical. The designer's tragic end has led to the arrest of 34-year-old Richard Joseph Gonzales from Cathedral City, California. Gonzales, who had initially reported himself as a victim of assault, has since been detained under suspicion of attempted murder at the John Benoit Detention Center. He is being held without bail and is now facing murder charges.
In a heartfelt message to PEOPLE, Xol’s family expressed their deep sorrow over the loss. "We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Xol. As his family, we know that his kindness has touched the lives of so many. We ask for that kindness to be returned now by respecting our privacy as we process our grief. Instead of flowers, we request donations be made in Eduardo's name to the Lupus Foundation of America, as he devoted much of his life to serving others," they said.
Xol was a prominent figure on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," joining the team in its second season which aired in 2004. His inspiration and creativity left a lasting impact on both the show and its viewers.
Richard Pérez-Fería, a close friend of Xol, commemorated him in an emotional Instagram post on September 22. Pérez-Fería expressed his disbelief and sorrow, stating, "It's nearly incomprehensible that I'm writing this post as a goodbye to someone who has been so present, so important in my life. When I first learned that Eduardo Xol had passed, I went numb. It was impossible to process that information as it didn't square with my thousands of experiences with him."
Continuing his tribute, Pérez-Fería highlighted the essence of Xol’s character, "Please don't ask me how or why at this point...what matters most is who he was: A talented, beautiful, passionate friend, brother, son, and partner. The millions of laughs, hopes, and secrets we shared remain at the fore of 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 horrific time to his circle of friends and family who loved him so," Pérez-Fería concluded. "Sadly, tomorrow isn't promised."
The legacy and kindness of Eduardo Xol will be remembered by many, and his untimely departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.