In a plot twist no one wanted, Eduardo Xol, the man who magically turned barren backyards into lush paradises on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, has sadly signed off from life at the age of 58. Itβs like the worst season finale ever, with no surprise house reveal to cheer us up.
Eduardo, who could make plants do his bidding like some kind of horticultural wizard, was found in his Palm Springs home after suffering from injuries in an incident that is still under investigation. He was rushed to the hospital on September 10 in βserious but stable condition.β It was a condition much like trying to assemble IKEA furniture with missing instructionsβpossible, but not great. Sadly, after battling his injuries like a garden warrior, Eduardo passed away on September 19 at Desert Regional Medical Center.
As if this wasnβt tragic enough, police arrested a 34-year-old man, Richard Joseph Gonzales, in connection with Eduardoβs death. Apparently, Gonzales thought he’d audition for the role of a villain, though we can safely say this was not the kind of plot development anyone wanted. Heβs being held without bail, which means no chance for him to “make over” his situation anytime soon.
Eduardo was part of Extreme Makeover for seasons 2 through 8, where he didnβt just landscape propertiesβhe landscaped hearts. Every week, with a trowel in one hand and pure charm in the other, he turned empty plots of land into green utopias where dreams flourished. Itβs safe to say that his work left an imprint on more than just grass; he left a permanent mark on reality TV and everyone who watched.
To Eduardoβs family, friends, and fansβour hearts go out to you. You might be gone, Eduardo, but every flower that blooms will be a little reminder of your brilliance. Rest in peace, garden king. πΈπΏ
