Alex Duong died from septic shock, according to Hilarie Steele, a close friend of his family. He was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, and was left with over $400,000 in medical debt. The exact cause of the septic shock that led to his death remains unclear, and the specific timeline of his cancer treatment and progression has not been detailed.
His cancer presented as a malignant mass behind his eye, causing severe headaches, according to multiple reports. This condition required extensive medical intervention, contributing to the significant financial burden on his family.
A GoFundMe campaign was set up by Hilarie Steele to help Alex Duong regain his sight. After his death, the campaign is now taking donations to support his wife Cristina and their five-year-old daughter Everest. The GoFundMe page has raised $103,810 of a $95,000 target. Hilarie Steele, on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude for reaching the original goal but noted that with Alex's passing, Cristina's situation has become more serious and financial needs are greater than anticipated, including for Alex's memorial service, Everest's education, ongoing care, and daily support. The current financial status of Alex Duong's family beyond the GoFundMe campaign is unknown, and the impact of his medical debt on their future financial stability remains uncertain.
Alex Duong was a member of SAG-AFTRA since 2009, according to reports. He worked on the Los Angeles comedy circuit, including as a performer and working the door at the Comedy Store on Sunset Strip. He appeared on shows including Netflix's Historical Roast, CBS's Blue Bloods, and The Onlyfans Roast of Whitney Cummings.
He was the youngest of six children, born to Vietnamese and Chinese parents, and was raised in Dallas, Texas before moving to Los Angeles, according to multiple reports.
Unanswered questions persist about details of Alex Duong's 'Celebration of Life' memorial service, which has not been publicly scheduled. Hilarie Steele asked for prayers and support for the family and promised updates on the memorial service details.