Shocking and terrifying news came this week from the world of reality television:
Zoll, who was a singer and actor before appearing on seven seasons of Extreme Makeover, was found dead by authorities in Palm Springs, California, on the morning of September 20.
Zoll was rushed to a local hospital — where he was pronounced dead from multiple stab wounds, according to the Riverside County Coroner.
He was 58 years old.
A man named Richard Joseph Gonzalez has been arrested on charges of this murder.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Zoll,” the reality star’s loved ones said in a statement Wednesday.
“As his family, we know his kindness touched the lives of so many people. We ask that kindness be returned now so that our privacy can be respected while we process our grief.”
“In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made in Eduardo’s name to the Lupus Foundation of America as he spent much of his life serving others.”
Zoll was best known for his work on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which he joined as a designer in the reality program’s second season; he appeared in over 60 episodes.
The late 58-year-old also appeared in several telenovelas early in his career, including “Acapulco, Cuerpo y Alma,” “Sentimientos Ajenos” and “La Jaula de Oro.”
Meanwhile, police allege Gonzales called police on the morning of the stabbing incident to report she had been assaulted the previous evening.
Authorities claimed that after investigating, they determined Gonzales was at the scene of the stabbing and was “likely the suspect.”
Police allege that Zoll and Gonzales were “associates,” though it is unclear at this time the nature of their relationship.
Following Zoll’s passing, his friend Richard Pérez-Feria shared a touching tribute on social media.
“It’s almost incomprehensible that I’m writing this post saying goodbye to someone who has been so present and so important in my life,” Pérez-Feria wrote.
“When I first learned that Eduardo Zoll had passed away, I was stunned. That information was impossible to comprehend because it did not match the thousands of experiences I had with him. Please do not ask me at this time how or why…the most important thing is who he was: a talented, beautiful, passionate friend, brother, son, and partner.
“The millions of laughs, hopes and secrets we shared remain at the forefront of my thoughts.
“I want to honor my dear friend and celebrate his life, as his life was important to so many. He was certainly important to me. Sending love to his friends and family who loved him so much at this terrible time.”
“Sadly, there is no guarantee of tomorrow. Love one another. Rest in peace, Eduardo.”