Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a 39-year-old fashion designer renowned for his vibrant creations inspired by his Pacific Islander culture, was tragically shot and killed during a ‘No Kings’ protest in Utah on Saturday.
Ah Loo, the head of fashion house Afa Ah Loo, was an innocent bystander and was not the intended target of the gunfire, according to Salt Lake City police.
Despite the lifesaving efforts of first responders, Ah Loo succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The loss of such a talented individual has left a deep impact on the community. Auli’i Cravalho, star of Disney’s ‘Moana’, took to social media to express her grief, stating there were “no words to hold the grief of losing” Ah Loo.
Her heartfelt message acknowledged his artistry and emphasized the significance of his peaceful protest, extending her condolences to his family and all who felt his influence.
The circumstances surrounding Ah Loo’s death involve two men from the protest’s ‘peacekeeping team’ being detained after one of them allegedly fired the shot that fatally wounded him.
Arturo Gamboa, 24, was arrested and charged with murder. Reports indicate that peacekeepers witnessed Gamboa manipulating an AR-15-style rifle, prompting them to draw their weapons and order him to drop it.
However, Gamboa ran into the crowd, holding the gun in a firing position, leading one of the peacekeepers to discharge three shots. Tragically, one of those shots struck and killed Ah Loo.
Ah Loo, who grew up in Samoa, dedicated himself to showcasing Pacific Islander culture through fashion. His designs gained significant attention after he competed on the reality show ‘Project Runway’ in 2019, where despite being eliminated early, he received critical acclaim for his work.
In the years following the show, he had the honor of dressing prominent Pacific Islanders, including Cravalho and David Derrick Jr., co-director of ‘Moana 2’.
Cravalho highlighted that Ah Loo designed the outfits she wore for the world premiere of ‘Moana 2’, an event she considered the most significant of her career.
She emphasized that Ah Loo’s work represents elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture.
In addition to his creative endeavors, Ah Loo was deeply committed to uplifting Pacific Islander artists and designers through his co-founding of the nonprofit Creative Pacific.
The organization was preparing for a fashion showcase at the end of July, aimed at continuing his legacy of empowering the community.
Ah Loo’s journey into fashion began unexpectedly when he was advised to switch from cooking to sewing in a high school home economics class after a mishap in the kitchen.
Yet, this pivot sparked a passionate career in fashion, which he often shared with his family. He dedicated many of his designs to his children, with a recent collection aimed at celebrating his daughter Vera’s creative spirit.
Within the creative community, Ah Loo was regarded as a pillar who left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.
David Derrick Jr. honored his memory in social media tributes, expressing how much he would miss Ah Loo and acknowledging the blessings he brought to many lives.
The tragic shooting has not only taken a significant loss from the world of fashion but also from the Pacific Islander community, which Ah Loo starred in, celebrated, and uplifted during his life.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/man-killed-no-kings-protest-salt-lake-city-designer-ah-loo-rcna213296
