Gay “Extreme Makeover” co-host Eduardo Xol dies a week after mysterious stabbing

Singer and actor Eduardo Xol, who hosted seven seasons of the reality TV series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, has died at the age of 58 from multiple wounds sustained during a stabbing. A 34-year-old man named Richard Joseph Gonzales has been arrested and is expected to face murder charges for Xol’s death.

Xol was reportedly stabbed around  5:41 a.m. on September 10 in a Palm Springs apartment, local police said. He called the police for help and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. Though he was in serious but stable condition at the time of his hospitalization, he died on the afternoon of Friday, September 20, according to People magazine.

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He died the day after his 76th birthday, but his cause of death remained a mystery… until now.

The connection between Xol and the arrested suspect remains unclear, as do the motives for the alleged murder. Gonzales is being held in the Riverside County jail without bail.

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Xol, who was born in Los Angeles, became one of the youngest pianists to perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 10. He studied theatre at the University of California and began acting on television in Mexico, where he performed in several telenovelas. He released a solo album called La Pasión (The Passion) and began working in entertainment production, eventually opening Hayneedle.com’s Backyard Summer line of home furnishings, lifestyle products, and landscape advice. He joined Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in its second season and was named as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics in America” by Hispanic Business Magazine.

“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,” his family told People. “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.”

In an Instagram post, Xol’s friend Richard Pérez-Feria wrote, “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…. 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,” Pérez-Feria added. “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. Sadly, tomorrow isn’t promised. Love each other. Rest in peace, Eduardo.”

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