Family, tribe mourn loss of Cole Brings Plenty
LAWRENCE (KSNT) – Family and others are responding to the death of actor Cole Brings Plenty in Kansas.
Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence issued a social media statement following the discovery of Brings Plenty’s body in northeast Kansas last Friday. Brings Plenty was a student at the university.
“Dear Haskell community,
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Cole Brings Plenty, a valued member of our university family. Our thoughts are with Cole’s loved ones during this difficult time, and we ask for empathy, compassion, and respect for the family. Information about counseling services for anyone in need of support will be shared soon, and we have been in contact with services to be in place on campus as soon as possible.”
Haskell Indian Nations University President Dr. Frank Arpan
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Arpan followed up this statement with another offering mental health support for students, staff and faculty at the university. Walk-in appointments are being offered on April 8 and 9 to help people manage feelings of grief and loss.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe also issued a statement shortly after Brings Plenty’s body was found. He was a citizen of the tribe, which is based out of South Dakota. The tribe says it demands a “full and thorough investigation into Cole’s disappearance and subsequent death.”
“The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe offers its deepest sympathy and support to Cole’s family and friends. He was an exemplary example of what it means to be a good relative and we stand with you in your grief. We respectfully request that Cole’s family be given their privacy as they mourn the loss of their son, brother, grandson, nephew and uncle.”
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe statement
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The tribe went on to say it will provide more information and counseling services to relatives and students living in Lawrence in the coming days.
Brings’ Plenty’s father, Joe, issued a statement Friday saying he is grateful for everyone “for their prayers and positive thoughts you sent for Cole,” according to a report from The Associated Press.
“I learned this week how many people knew the goodness in Cole’s heart and loved him,” Joe Brings Plenty Sr. said.
Brings Plenty was an actor who appeared in three TV series. These included “Into the Wild Frontier,” “The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger” and the “Yellowstone” spin-off series “1923,” according to his IMDB page. He is also the nephew of Mo Brings Plenty, an actor in the “Yellowstone” TV series.
The Lawrence Police Department had previously issued a statement the actor was involved in an alleged domestic violence investigation on Sunday, March 31. Brings Plenty was declared missing and a search ensued by law enforcement and family.
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Brings Plenty was found dead on Friday, April 5 in Johnson County, Kansas. Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office received a call of an unoccupied vehicle in the area of 200th and Homestead Lane. Searching the nearby surroundings, they found Brings Plenty’s body in a wooded area. He was 27-years-old.
The investigation into his death is ongoing. If you have any information to share regarding this case, call the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 913-782-0720.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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