Project Runway Star Afa Ah Loo Killed at ‘No Kings’ Protest
Samoan fashion designer Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, better known as Afa Ah Loo, was shot and killed Sunday at a “No Kings Day” protest in Salt Lake City. Police said Ah Loo, 39, was unintentionally shot by a member of the protest’s peacekeeping team after a man in black clothing and a black mask allegedly ran into the crowd brandishing an AR-15-style rifle in a “firing position.” In response, the volunteer peacekeeper shot three rounds, one of which struck Ah Loo. Ah Loo had been taking part in the demonstration and was an “innocent bystander who was not the intended target of the gunfire,” police said.
Ah Loo was a contestant on season 17 of Project Runway in 2019 and went on to design looks for stars and pageant queens that showcased his Pacific Islander culture. In 2022, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Danna Bui-Negrete wore one of his gowns to the show’s reunion special.
Last year, Ah Loo dressed Auli‘i Cravalho for the premiere of Moana 2, as well as the movie’s director, David Derrick Jr. In an Instagram post on Monday, Cravalho said there were “no words to hold the grief” of losing him.
“As a Samoan fashion designer, Afa’s creations are and remain thoughtful, elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture,” she said. “I am still amazed to have worn his custom designs for the most significant event of my career; the world premiere of Moana 2. Your artistry will never be forgotten; and neither will your peaceful protest.”
Ah Loo lived in Utah with his wife and two children.