Fashion Designer and Protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo Killed at Salt Lake City Rally - PRESS AI WORLD
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Fashion Designer and Protester Arthur Folasa Ah Loo Killed at Salt Lake City Rally

Credited from: SFGATE

  • Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer, was killed during the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City.
  • Ah Loo, known as Afa, was a former contestant on "Project Runway" and dedicated to supporting Pacific Island artists.
  • A GoFundMe for his family raised over $205,000 following his death.
  • The incident occurred when a rifle was brandished during the protest, leading to Ah Loo being shot by a peacekeeper.
  • Ah Loo's last moments were spent advocating for marginalized communities, according to friends and family.

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer and former contestant on Bravo's "Project Runway," was tragically shot and killed at the "No Kings" protest in Salt Lake City over the weekend. Reports indicate that Ah Loo was struck by a stray bullet fired during a confrontation involving a man allegedly brandishing an AR-15. Authorities say that the shooter, now charged with murder, inadvertently hit Ah Loo while aiming at a different individual during the protest. Police investigations continue to clarify the actions that led to this tragic incident, according to latimes, HuffPost, and SFGate.

Ah Loo was deeply involved in the Pacific Islander community, often using his talent to uplift artists through initiatives like Create Pacific, an organization he co-founded. Known for his vibrant designs that blended traditional Pacific Island aesthetics with modern fashion, he became an influential figure not just for his runway work but also for his advocacy and community engagement. "Afa was so much a part of the community," stated Utah State Representative Verona Mauga, who attended the protest and emphasized his commitment to serving marginalized populations, according to The Hill and The Hill.

A GoFundMe page established for Ah Loo's family has raised over $205,000 in just 48 hours, illustrating the support and impact he had on those around him. His work was recognized in high-profile collaborations, including a recent project for Auliʻi Cravalho, the Disney star from "Moana 2," who wore his design to a red carpet event. "This was the first time I was so active in helping to design a custom look, and Afa surpassed what I had envisioned," Cravalho remarked, reflecting on his artistic vision and community impact, as noted by latimes, HuffPost, and SFGate.

Ah Loo's dedication extended beyond fashion; he frequently volunteered his skills, offering free tailoring services to those in need and remaining active in his community. His passing has led to an outpouring of grief and remembrance, with many highlighting that he utilized his talents to better the lives of others. "Afa would have been proud to go out fighting for what he believed in," Mauga noted, achieving a legacy of creativity and compassion, according to The Hill and The Hill.

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