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Hmong comedian Tou Ger Xiong remembered
One year ago, well-known Hmong activist and comedian Tou Ger Xiong was murdered while vacationing in Colombia. His death stunned Minnesotans, and many mourned his death from local sports teams, elected officials, community leaders, and beyond.
(FOX 9) - One year ago, well-known Hmong activist and comedian Tou Ger Xiong was murdered while vacationing in Colombia. His death stunned Minnesotans, and many mourned his death from local sports teams, elected officials, community leaders, and beyond.
Since his death, Tou Ger’s brother, Eh Xiong, has been working to get justice. Eh says he is in constant contact with a lawyer, investigators, and Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office. So far, four suspects are in custody, and one remains on the run.
Honoring Tou Ger Xiong
While they wait for Colombian investigators to continue working, Eh says it's important their family keeps his legacy alive.
"Over this past year, we know that he’s gone, so we’re trying to remember him, what he was, and all the good things he had done," Eh said.
Tou Ger Xiong was brutally murdered in South America in December 2023. (Supplied)
"I know I was talking to him the night before and the next day, he was gone," Eh shared. "To give that information or tell my mom that, the family—but especially my mom—it struck everyone to the core. It’s hard to accept."
But Eh’s family didn’t mourn alone. Support poured in from across Minnesota, including from local sports teams, elected leaders, and the Hmong community.
"That’s at the core of him," Eh said. "That’s everything that he’s fought for since his days in elementary school. He’s always been the type to say, ‘Hey, I want to support the underprivileged or those who are voiceless.’"
Over the past year, Eh and his family have worked to honor Tou Ger’s legacy. They’ve dedicated a statue and island in his name at Lake Phalen in St. Paul, started an endowment fund in his name, and continued "Hmong Day" at the Minnesota State Fair, an event Tou Ger co-founded.
His friend Joe Carlini is also producing a documentary about Tou Ger’s life. "I want people to get the essence of who he was, but also at the same time realize that he was a man who cared about helping people," Carlini said. "To show his impact, to me, is just a great honor to tell his story."
A story of someone larger than life—but still Eh’s little brother.
"It really fills my heart to know that all these people recognize him for all the work that he has done," Eh said.
Carlini’s documentary is expected to premiere in October 2025. The family is also working to secure a space at the Minnesota Historical Society to preserve some of Tou Ger’s iconic costumes and work.