A COMEDIAN and activist from the United States has been kidnapped and killed during a trip to Colombia, his heartbroken family says.
Tou Ger Xiong, 50, was reportedly taken hostage while abroad after meeting up with a woman he had met on social media.
Xiong arrived in Medellin, Colombia on November 29 and planned to spend the holidays in the country, according to Medellin-based newspaper El Colombiano.
On Sunday, he had plans to see a woman he met online.
Not long after they met up, Xiong was ambushed.
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A group of men kidnapped him and held him hostage, immediately contacting his family and friends for money.
The criminals demanded $2,000, which led the family to immediately contact authorities to try and save their loved one, the local paper reported.
But on Monday, police confirmed that Xiong was murdered before a deal was made.
They are investigating whether an attempted escape led to the killing.
Xiong's body was found in the waters of the La Corcovado ravine with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, the Pioneer Press reported.
He was riddled with bruises that may have been caused by a 60-foot fall into the tributary.
After discovering his body, police went to his apartment and found a woman who was removing items from his room, according to authorities.
She ran off when they tried to question her.
Xiong's heartbroken brother Eh Xiong confirmed the death and said they are working closely with law enforcement to seek justice for the "heinous crime."
He said in a statement: “It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of the body of our beloved family member.
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“Tou Ger Xiong was a cherished member of our family, and the pain of his loss is indescribable.”
Xiong was also mourned by former Minnesota state senator Mee Moua who remembered him as a "one of a kind modern day hero."
"Shredded to pieces, weight down with grief for my friend, my little brother, and my children's Uncle Funny - Tou Ger Xiong," she wrote in a statement.
Xiong was a Laotian-American comedian, educator, and entertainer who grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota.
He was known for his advocacy for the Hmong people, an indigenous group that lives primarily in Southeast Asia.
Xiong created the "Hmong Minnesota Day" at the Minnesota State Fair which involves Hmong cultural and musical performances.
His family is asking for donations to start a foundation in his name.
El Colombiano reports that Xiong is the 27th tourist to be found dead in the Aburrá Valley, where the ravine was located.
Complaints of kidnapping have increased by a massive 88%, and three tourists were murdered in the last month alone, according to the National Police report.
Other tourists have died from suicide, accidents, and overdoses, according to the Medellin District Person's Office.
