Actor Cole Brings Plenty, known for his role as Pete Plenty Clouds in the television show “1923,” was found dead at the age of 27 in a wooded area in Johnson County, Kansas. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office discovered his body after responding to a report of an unoccupied vehicle in the area. The cause of death was not immediately provided. Brings Plenty, who identified as Mnicoujou Lakota on Instagram, played a Native American sheep herder on the show, which addressed abuse towards Native American children in boarding schools supported by the government. He and his uncle Mo Brings Plenty had visited the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in Washington in 2023 to discuss boarding schools and other issues affecting Native Americans.
In addition to his role in “1923,” Cole Brings Plenty also appeared in other Western television shows like “Into the Wild Frontier” and “The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger.” He was a student at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Following his disappearance, his father, Joe Brings Plenty Sr., confirmed his son’s death and thanked those who supported the family during the search efforts. Mo Brings Plenty shared a missing person’s poster on social media detailing the events leading up to Cole’s disappearance. The Lawrence Police Department had submitted an affidavit for Cole’s arrest after he was identified as a suspect in a case of domestic violence that took place on the morning of March 31.
Law enforcement responded to a call of a woman screaming for help in an apartment in Lawrence, where they reportedly identified Cole as the suspect who fled before their arrival. It was noted that the incident involved allegations of domestic violence, limiting the information that could be shared to protect the victim. Following the domestic violence incident, Cole was reported missing by his family, and authorities launched a search which ultimately led to the discovery of his body about 28 miles southeast of Lawrence. The tragic loss of Cole Brings Plenty has left his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning, underscoring the importance of addressing issues like domestic violence and supporting Native American communities.
The sudden death of Cole Brings Plenty has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and Native American communities, where he was known for his talent and advocacy work. His role on “1923” shed light on important issues facing Native Americans, including the legacy of abuse in boarding schools. Cole’s visit to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs with his uncle demonstrated his commitment to raising awareness and seeking justice for these issues. As a student at Haskell Indian Nations University, he was dedicated to his education and using his platform to make a difference.
The circumstances surrounding Cole Brings Plenty’s death, including the domestic violence allegations and his disappearance, have raised questions and concerns about his well-being and safety. The Lawrence Police Department’s efforts to locate him and the subsequent discovery of his body have brought closure to his family and loved ones, while also highlighting the need for greater support for victims of domestic violence. The tributes and condolences pouring in for Cole reflect the impact he had on those around him and the legacy he leaves behind as an actor, advocate, and member of the Native American community. May his memory live on through his work and the positive change he sought to bring about in the world.
