‘He meant so much to so many’: Afa Ah Loo celebrated by family and friends
Ah Loo was killed during a shooting at a “No Kings” protest earlier this month.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A photo of Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, is seen behind the casket during the celebration of life at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Family and friends gathered at the Salt Palace Convention Center to remember Arthur “Afa” Folasa Ah Loo during a celebration of life ceremony Friday for the beloved local fashion designer who was shot and killed during a “No Kings” protest.
Ah Loo’s wife, Laura Ah Loo, took the stage Friday wearing a dress designed by her husband. She thanked the family friends, acquaintances, protesters and community members for their support.
“My family and I mourn with you,” she said. “He was the best husband, father and friend ... He meant so much to so many.”
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) People gather during the celebration of life for Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, during the community event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Bishop Oliva Schwenke prays as part of the celebration of life for Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, during the community event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A photo of Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, is seen behind the casket during the celebration of life at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) People gather during the celebration of life for Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, during the community event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) The casket sits in the middle of the grand ballroom during the celebration of life for Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, during the community event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson speaks as part of the celebration of life for Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, during the community event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A photo is displayed on the stage of Afa Ah Loo, the man shot and killed during the 'No Kings' protest, during the celebration of life at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, one of the many speakers during the three-hour ceremony, thanked the organizers and the family of Ah Loo for allowing community members to attend Friday’s celebration.
Wilson said she’d spoken with many people in the community who cared so much about Ah Loo and she knew the gathering was an important moment of celebration.
The ceremony also included a video tribute, dancing and various musical arrangements, including a song from Ah Loo’s daughter, Vera Ah Loo.