RIP Juan Joya Borja, AKA 'El Risitas,' The Face Of KEKW And Numerous Memes

Comedian Juan Joya Borja, known as "El Risitas" ("The Giggles") for his infectious laugh that would later be immortalized in a series of memes and the Twitch emote KEKW, has passed away this afternoon at the age of 65.

According to ABC de Sevilla, Borja had been transferred to the Hospital de la Caridad de Sevilla with an illness in September of 2020, when he had a leg amputated due to a vascular problem. A sudden relapse of the illness led to his death.

El Risitas' irresistible laugh became an iconic piece of the internet thanks to numerous video parodies, which led to his face becoming well known among Twitch users via the KEKW emote. The KEKW emote is one of the top ten most-used emotes on the site, according to FrankerFacez. After news of his death began spreading on social media, tributes poured out online.

I regret to inform you that this man you may know from memes, nicknamed 'El Risitas', has just passed away at 65.

Posting this here since he was a well-known and loved comedian here in southern Spain. He was able to turn any story into the funniest thing you've ever heard. RIP. pic.twitter.com/pseDGb1U5s

— TodoNintendoS (@TodoNintendoS) April 28, 2021

Juan Joya Borja (El Resitas) otherwise known as the emote “KEKW” has passed away at the age of 64.

May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/UtTZMFwAkC

— Retrora (@Retrora) April 28, 2021

KEK in peace you beautiful man. You made millions laugh and will be well remembered. https://t.co/F6nWYIFaRY

— Matt Johnson (@_DuxNet) April 28, 2021