Condolences pour in for late Vancouver actor Taran Kootenhayoo
GoFundMe campaign takes off for Bella Ciao! star who passed away on December 31
Taran Kootenhayoo
A FUNDRAISER started for Vancouver actor, spoken-word poet, and playwright Taran Kootenhayoo has already surpassed $39,000 as the arts community grapples with his sudden death December 31.
Known for his appearances in everything from the play Redpatch to the Commercial Drive-set feature Bella Ciao!, the young talent hailed from Cold Lake, Alberta and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.
Taran Kootenhayoo in the Vancouver feature film Bella Ciao!
Kootenhayoo graduated from Capilano University’s Acting for Stage and Screen program. He won the Sam Payne Most Promising Newcomer prize at the Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards. His new play White Noise was featured at last year’s Talking Stick Festival. Other projects included Raven Spirit Dance, the rEvolver Festival, Axis Theatre's 'TH'OWXIYA The Hungry Feast Dish, and taking part in both Full Circle's performance ensemble and the Urban Ink collective.
“He was a very active member of the community and as many of you all know, brought laughter and light to everyone's lives,” the GoFundMe campaign said of the promising artist. “Loved by all who knew him, hearts all across Turtle Island are heavy and share in grieving our beautiful brother and friend. There are no words that can equal the amount of loss that will be felt by his absence as we all miss him. We ask that you light a candle or smudge and pray for him on his journey to join the ancestors.”
The funds raised through a GoFundMe page are to go to supporting arrangements to bring him home to Alberta and expenses for family members that need to travel.
Meanwhile, condolences flooded the internet today and yesterday:
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