Arthur Ah Loo: Salt Lake City Protest Victim & Polynesian Designer
- Afa Ah Loo,a fashion designer celebrated for his vibrant portrayals of pacific Islander culture and known for his appearance on "Project Runway," died Saturday after a shooting.
- According to police, the shooting occurred after Gamboa allegedly began manipulating an AR-15-style rifle near a crowd.
- Ah Loo gained prominence within the Polynesian community for his designs before achieving wider recognition on "Project Runway" in 2019.
Fashion designer Afa Ah Loo,celebrated for showcasing Pacific Islander culture and known for his “Project Runway” role,tragically died after a shooting. Arturo Gamboa,24,now faces a murder charge following the incident in Salt Lake City. Police reports detail the events, including Gamboa allegedly brandishing an AR-15-style rifle, leading too shots fired. Ah Loo’s designs, integral in Polynesian community, gained wider recognition, dressing Auli’i Cravalho and David Derrick Jr.. As News Directory 3 reports, the Samoan designer’s thoughtful creations will continue uplifting. Discover what’s next as authorities investigate the tragic circumstances surrounding Ah Loo’s death.
‘Project Runway’ Designer Afa Ah Loo Dies in Shooting
Updated June 16,2025
Afa Ah Loo,a fashion designer celebrated for his vibrant portrayals of pacific Islander culture and known for his appearance on “Project Runway,” died Saturday after a shooting. The incident also led to the arrest of Arturo Gamboa, 24, who is now facing a murder charge in Salt Lake County Metro Jail.
According to police, the shooting occurred after Gamboa allegedly began manipulating an AR-15-style rifle near a crowd. Members of the event’s “peacekeeping team” reportedly drew their weapons and ordered Gamboa to drop his. Police said Gamboa then ran into the crowd while holding the rifle in what appeared to be a “firing position.” One of the “peacekeepers” fired three shots, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo.
Ah Loo gained prominence within the Polynesian community for his designs before achieving wider recognition on “Project Runway” in 2019. although he left the show early in the season, his designs garnered critical acclaim. He went on to dress several high-profile Pacific Islanders, including Auli’i Cravalho and David derrick Jr., co-director of “Moana 2.”
Cravalho noted on social media that Ah Loo designed the outfits she wore to the “Moana 2” world premiere in November, calling it “the most significant event of my career.”
As a Samoan fashion designer, Afa’s creations are and remain thoughtful, elegant and powerful portrayals of Pacific culture.
What’s next
The inquiry into the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities continue to gather facts regarding the events leading up to Ah Loo’s death and Gamboa’s alleged actions.