On September 19, Eduardo Xol, best known for his role in transforming lives through design on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” passed away at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California. A week earlier, police had discovered him injured after arriving at the scene. The news has left his friends and fans devastated.
Eduardo Xol and Ty Pennington attend the grand opening of ADHD on Abbot-Kinney on August 15, 2007 in Venice Beach, California | Source: Getty Images
Xol’s passing has been linked to an incident that occurred on September 10, when police were called to a Palm Springs apartment early in the morning. The designer himself made the call, asking for help.
When officers got there, they found him with multiple stab wounds. Though he was rushed to the hospital, he remained in serious but stable condition for several days before he tragically died.
Eduardo Xol of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” during Catalina Magazine Afternoon Tea with Ricardo Antonio Chavira at The Carlyle Hotel in New York City in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Authorities soon identified 34-year-old Richard Joseph Gonzales, a resident of Cathedral City, as the primary suspect in the stabbing. Gonzales had contacted the police the same morning of the attack, claiming he had been assaulted the night before.
After further investigation, officers determined Gonzales was likely responsible for Xol’s injuries. Gonzales was taken into custody, and the original charge brought against him was attempted murder. However, the charges were upgraded to murder after Xol’s death.
The police have not released details on the motive behind the attack, nor have they clarified the exact nature of the relationship between Xol and Gonzales. They only described them as “associates.” Gonzales is currently being held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, California.
In the days following his death, the designer’s family expressed their grief in a statement shared with the public. They conveyed their devastation at the tragic loss of their cherished 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 statement expressed. Instead of flowers, they requested that contributions be directed to the Lupus Foundation of America in honor of Xol.
Upon hearing the news, other friends and colleagues took to social media. His co-star from “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” Ty Pennington, posted a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram stories. Along with a photo, he wrote, “Devastated to hear about Eduardo’s passing. Truly the most genuine, kind soul.”
Ty Pennington’s story about Eduardo Xol, posted on September 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/typennington
Richard Pérez-Feria, a host on “NFL Etcetera” and a close friend of Xol, expressed his deep sadness on Facebook. He wrote that it was almost impossible to believe he was saying goodbye to someone who had been such a big part of his life.
He implored everyone not to dwell on the details of the tragedy, and to remember that Xol was a “talented, beautiful, passionate friend, brother, son, and partner.” He ended the post with a reminder that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
Other friends joined in sharing their memories. Gabriela Tamayo wrote, “RIP Friend 💔 #rip #eduardoxol,” while Dave Holmes honored Xol professionally, posting, “#RIP @EduardoXol. Didn’t have a chance to work with you long enough, but you were always great to me, on set. Godspeed on your new journey. #EMHE #extrememakeoverhomeedition.”
Another friend, Cynthia Pinot Dinelli, also shared her grief. She wrote, “There are no words. Friendship means sharing the most vulnerable parts of ourselves—our fears, dreams, our weaknesses, our loves. You were all that, and so much more. Eduardo, ur kind and sensitive soul has touched so many [sic]. Con fuerza mi querido amigo, el amor es para siempre (With strength, my dear friend, love is forever).”
Fans echoed the sentiments of Xol’s friends and colleagues, with many taking to social media to express their shock and sadness. One X user shared, “RIP Eduardo Xol. Shocked to hear he was killed. Had such a crush on him. Had some interaction with him on Twitter. Great singer too. Sad news.”
Another wrote, “I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of Eduardo T. Xolby a murderous intruder [sic]. He was one of the anchors of my pilot show ‘La Voz’ in 2009 along with Patricia Lopez Piotrowski and Nancy Agosto. RIP sweet man [sic].“
While the circumstances of his passing remain unclear, it is undeniable that Xol’s life was rich with accomplishments and creativity. He was born in East Los Angeles, where he grew up in a multicultural environment that would later heavily influence his aesthetic as a designer and lifestyle expert.
He began his music career, performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, at just ten years old. This early start led him to pivot into television and telenovelas in Latin America.
Fans may remember him from “Acapulco, Cuerpo y Alma,” “La Jaula de Oro,” and “Sentimientos Ajenos.” Additionally, he produced music and videos during his time in Mexico, working with prominent figures like Benny Rietveld and Pilar Montenegro.
When Xol joined “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” during its second season, he quickly became a beloved figure on the show. His passion for design, paired with his heart for helping others, resonated with viewers across the nation.
Eduardo Xol in an episode of “Extreme Makover: Home Edition” | Source: Youtube/Page Six
Furthermore, his ability to create stunning, transformative spaces week after week won him acclaim not only as a designer but also as a kind and compassionate personality.
In addition to his on-screen work, Xol was an accomplished writer. He contributed to “People en Español” with a popular home decor column titled “Casa con Eduardo Xol,” where he shared his design expertise with readers.
He also authored two books on home design and entertaining, “Home Sense” and “Extreme Entertaining Made Simple.” His second book uniquely featured a CD of original music that Xol composed to match various events.
Beyond his professional achievements, Xol was a dedicated philanthropist. He co-founded the ALUMI Media Group, a non-profit organization that sought to bring alternative education to children in underserved communities through media.
Our condolences go to his family and friends during these hard times.
