Hoff's father, Colby, was ruined by PrinceXizor, his business competitor, and committed suicide with a blaster shot to the head. His son blamed Xizor.
A guard allowed Hoff to enter one of the protected corridors in the core of the Imperial Center where Xizor frequented after Xizor's meeting with Darth Vader, who turned out to be also involved in the younger Hoff being granted access. Hoff shot one of his guards, but another guard shot his blaster off his hand. Hoff then charged unarmed against Xizor. Although he was strong and skilled at hand-to-hand combat he was unsuccessful in the attempt. After a brief fight, Hoff was disabled and killed by the crime lord himself, who broke his neck.
The event was overseen by Palpatine and Vader in a life-size holographic recording.