Hundreds gather to mourn Minnesota Hmong comedian who was allegedly kidnapped and killed in Colombia
Hundreds of mourners gathered Saturday to say goodbye to Minnesota comedian and Hmong community activist Tou Ger Xiong, who was allegedly kidnapped and killed last month while on a trip to Colombia.
Hundreds of mourners gathered Saturday to say goodbye to Minnesota comedian and Hmong community activist Tou Ger Xiong, who was allegedly kidnapped and killed last month while on a trip to Colombia.
After visiting a friend in the city of Medellín, Xiong, 50, called his brother in the U.S. saying he’d been kidnapped and that his captors demanded $2,000 in ransom, according to accounts by prosecutors and Xiong's brother. His body was found in a wooded area on Dec. 11.
News of Xiong’s death shocked the St. Paul community, and tributes poured in from friends, loved ones and elected officials.
“He was one of the funniest and most sincere people I’ve ever met,” Mayor Melvin Carter said in a series of tweets. “His light enlivened everyone around him.”
In accordance with Hmong tradition, Xiong’s memorial will span three days, beginning with the ceremony Saturday and ending with his committal service Monday.
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