Beloved Fashion Designer Afa Ah Loo Killed During Protest in Salt Lake City

The vibrant Pacific Islander fashion world and wider creative community are mourning the tragic death of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, better known as Afa Ah Loo, who was fatally shot during a protest in Salt Lake City on Sunday, June 14. He was 39 years old.

Ah Loo, a celebrated Samoan-American designer and former contestant on Project Runway season 17, was attending the “No Kings Day” protest as a participant when gunfire erupted. According to Salt Lake City police, a man dressed in black and armed with an AR-15-style rifle charged toward the crowd in what witnesses described as a threatening stance. A member of the event’s volunteer peacekeeping team responded by firing three shots. One of the bullets struck Ah Loo, an innocent bystander, fatally wounding him.

Authorities confirmed that the armed suspect was subdued and taken into custody before he could open fire on the crowd. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, but officials have stated that the peacekeeper’s actions were intended to prevent a potential mass casualty event. Tragically, Ah Loo became the unintended victim.

Born in Samoa, Ah Loo brought his cultural heritage to life through fashion. He often wove traditional Polynesian patterns and colors into his designs, showcasing his roots while breaking barriers in an industry not often inclusive of Pacific Islander voices. After his appearance on Project Runway in 2019, his career flourished. In 2022, he gained further recognition when Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Danna Bui-Negrete wore one of his gowns on the show’s reunion special.

“Afa was a light,” said longtime friend Mauga. “He recently became a U.S. citizen and proudly voted in his first election last year. He wanted to be fully engaged, to give back to his community, and to create art that told our stories.”

Ah Loo’s journey into fashion came after personal loss. Following his mother’s death in 2014, he chose to leave behind a conventional path to pursue design full-time. In past interviews, he credited her as his biggest inspiration. “She always told me to be proud of who I am. That gave me the courage to do what I love,” Ah Loo told The Salt Lake Tribune.

Afa Ah Loo is remembered not only for his artistry but also for his generosity, humility, and commitment to uplifting others—especially young people from Pacific Islander backgrounds. Tributes have poured in from fellow designers, cultural organizations, and fans across the world, many sharing how his work made them feel seen.

He is survived by his family, including his young son, and a community deeply shaken by his untimely passing. Plans for a memorial service are underway.

In a statement, the Ah Loo family asked for privacy as they grieve and thanked the public for the outpouring of support. “Afa’s legacy will live on through his designs, his love for his people, and the joy he brought to so many lives.”