The man who passed away following the “King” protest in Salt Lake City was identified as a fashion designer and a former contestant on “Project Runway.” According to reports, Arthur Forasa a Lu, age 39, was struck by a stray bullet amidst the chaos, which was fired during the protest by someone thought to be armed with an AR-15, along with another individual who claimed to be part of a “peacekeeping” team. Tragically, Ah Loo died after being taken to the hospital.
Salt Lake City Police have stated that it’s still uncertain whether the individual who identified as part of a “peacekeeping” team was associated with the event organizers or acted independently. The name of the person responsible for the fatal bullet has not been disclosed.
Detectives are reportedly puzzled as to why 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa aimed his rifle at the crowd. He has been charged with murder in this incident. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd mentioned that they are also looking into the roles of people asserting to be “peacekeeping forces.”
Ah Loo was dedicated to uplifting artists from the Pacific Islands and is survived by a wife and two children. A GoFundMe page started by his family has already collected over $205,000.
Fashion Designers Commit to Their Communities, Says State Rep.
Originally from Samoa, Ah Loo was affectionately known as AFA. State Senator Verona Mauga remarked that he worked tirelessly to support those in his community.
Mauga had been at the “No Kings” protest just blocks away from where the shooting occurred. She emphasized that if Ah Loo’s death were not due to natural causes, it would underscore the struggles faced by marginalized communities seeking a voice.
She further noted his ability to unite people through “culture, diversity, and service.”
Co-Founder of Create Pacific
Ah Loo co-founded Create Pacific alongside innovators from Fiji’s hair salon, Benjamin Powell. This organization aims to support Pacific Island artists. Powell commented on Ah Loo’s distinct designs, mentioning that everyone would soon recognize his work. Ah Loo was also preparing for a fashion show scheduled for August.
Despite this tragic event, Powell is determined to honor Ah Loo’s memory, stating, “The show continues.”
Participant on “Project Runway”
Ah Loo was a contestant on the 2017 season of “Project Runway,” a reality competition focusing on time-sensitive fashion design. Recently, he crafted an outfit for Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho for the red carpet premiere of “Moana 2.”
Cravalho expressed her excitement about the custom look in November, stating, “This was the first time I was deeply involved in the design process, and Ah Loo exceeded my expectations.”
Ah Loo was also known for his generosity, often volunteering to make clothes for those in need without charging exorbitant fees. He was quick to assist community members with items like blazers and dresses.
AFA was indeed a significant presence in the community, as noted by Deputy Doug Fiefia on social media, who shared his condolences, describing him as a “bright light” in the Polynesian community. Representative Tyler Clancy also remarked on social media about AFA’s kindness, recalling his love for the community.
