Project Runway's Afa Ah Loo Killed Amid Shooting at 'No Kings' Protest in Salt Lake City
Afa Ah Loo has sadly died.
The fashion designer (born Arthur Folasa “Afa” Ah Loo), who famously appeared on Project Runway as a contestant during Season 17, was identified as the fatal victim during a shooting at a “No Kings” protest on Saturday (June 14) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He was 39 years old.
The Samoa-born designer ran his namesake business in the state. He was also part of the Creative Pacific Foundation.
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He was described as an “innocent bystander” by the Salt Lake City Police Department in a press release, per WWD.
The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. MST, when gunfire could be heard near 151 South State Street. Hundreds ran for safety, with some hiding in parking garages or behind barriers, and others went into nearby businesses, according to police. After officers arrived to secure the scene, they found a man who had been shot and immediately began lifesaving efforts. He later died at an unidentified hospital.
The cause and manner of his death will be determined by the Salt Lake City medical examiner’s office, per the report.
A crowd of about 10,000 people turned out in Salt Lake City amid the many “No Kings” protests that were held across the country in opposition to Donald Trump’s administration.
A preliminary investigation determined the designer was “not the intended target” and that he had been struck by an alleged peacekeeper, per the department.
Officers on the scene also found a 24-year-old, Arturo Gamboa, on the ground with a gunshot wound and an AR-15 style rifle nearby. He was treated and taken into custody.
The police said they detained two men, who were wearing neon green vests and were carrying handguns, said to be part of the peacekeeping movement. One reportedly fired three rounds after Arturo raised the rifle he was carrying and ran toward the crowd. One round struck Arturo and another “tragically wounded” Afa Ah Loo, according to the SLCPD.
More recently, Afa Ah Loo had been tapped to take part in the Papua New Guinea Fashion Week’s Pacific Fashion Summit, set for September.
Our thuoghts are with Afa Ah Loo‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. RIP.