Eduardo Xol, a popular personality from the ABC television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” died after a stabbing incident in Palm Springs, California.
The Riverside County Coroner confirmed the death of 58-year-old Xol, who was critically injured on September 10, 2024, and succumbed to his injuries ten days later. Richard Joseph Gonzales, 34, was arrested shortly after the incident and is now facing a murder charge.
Xol was a landscape designer who gained national fame through his appearances in more than 65 episodes of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” from 2005 to 2012. Xol had a varied career, with experience in music and acting, and roles in telenovelas such as “Acapulco,” “Cuerpo y Alma,” and “La Jaula de Oro.” His creative flair and empathy made a significant impression on viewers and peers.
“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 returned now, allowing our privacy to be respected as we process our grief,” the Xol family stated to People.
On the morning of September 10, Xol made a 911 call to Palm Springs police, reporting he had been stabbed but unable to identify his attacker. Police discovered Xol in his East Arenas Road apartment with multiple stab wounds. He was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center, where his condition remained serious for several days.
Later that day, Richard Joseph Gonzales, who knew Xol, approached the police, alleging he had been assaulted the previous night. Investigators soon implicated Gonzales in the stabbing and arrested him on charges of attempted murder. The charges escalated to murder following Xol’s death, and Gonzales, currently held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center, is expected to face trial later this year.
Richard Perez-Feria, former editor-in-chief of People en Español, voiced his shock and sorrow over Xol’s death, describing him as a valued and passionate individual who had significantly impacted his life.
Emphasizing Xol’s lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy, his family noted that his contributions went beyond his television career. They appreciated his charitable endeavors and his resolve to aid those in need. The family requested donations to the Lupus Foundation of America in lieu of flowers.
Xol’s television career brought pleasure to many viewers, and his work on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” had a significant effect on the communities where homes were constructed and renovated. His colleagues remembered him as a person whose commitment to his work was matched by his generosity and kindness.
As the inquiry into Xol’s death progresses, the exact nature of the relationship between Xol and Gonzales remains uncertain. Though police have confirmed the two were known to each other, they have not yet revealed a possible motive for the assault.