The Tragic Mystery: What We Know About Cole Brings Plenty's Death And The Sealed Cause Of Fate

The sudden and tragic passing of young actor Cole Brings Plenty in April 2024 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the Native American community. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the official cause of the 27-year-old's death remains one of the most closely guarded secrets in a high-profile case, legally sealed by a Johnson County judge. This lack of public explanation has fueled ongoing speculation and a persistent call from his family for a more comprehensive and "fair investigation," even after authorities ruled out foul play.

The Mniconju Lakota actor, best known for his role as Pete Plenty Clouds in the hit *Yellowstone* prequel series *1923*, was found deceased in a wooded area in Kansas, days after he was reported missing. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the subsequent discovery of his body are complex, intertwined with an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred just before he vanished. The narrative is one of a promising life cut short, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and a lingering question mark over his final days.

Cole Brings Plenty: A Life and Career Profile

Cole Thomas "Coco" Brings Plenty was a rising talent with a deep connection to his Indigenous heritage, which informed both his life and his burgeoning acting career. His profile provides a comprehensive look at the man behind the headlines:

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• Full Name: Cole Thomas Brings Plenty
• Nickname: "Coco"
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1996
• Date of Death: April 5, 2024
• Age at Death: 27
• Heritage: Mniconju Lakota
• Tribe Affiliation: Member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
• Hometown: Eagle Butte and Lawrence, Kansas
• Best Known Role: Pete Plenty Clouds in the Paramount+ series *1923*, a role that highlighted the abuse faced by Native American children in boarding schools.
• Other Acting Credits: *Into the Wild Frontier* and *The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger*.
• Family Connections: Nephew of veteran *Yellowstone* actor Mo Brings Plenty, who was instrumental in the search effort. His father is Joseph Brings Plenty Sr. and he was preceded in death by his younger sister, Kyla Mercy Red Bear.
• Advocacy: Known for his cultural advocacy for Indigenous issues, including attending the Red Nation Celebration Institute's Red Nation Awards.

The Timeline of Disappearance and Discovery

The events leading up to Cole Brings Plenty's death unfolded rapidly and were marked by a frantic search effort led by his family and the local community. The timeline begins with an incident in Lawrence, Kansas, and ends with the somber discovery in a remote area.

The Alleged Domestic Violence Incident and Missing Person Report

On March 31, 2024, the Lawrence Police Department responded to an alleged domestic violence incident. Cole Brings Plenty was named as a suspect in the case, though few details about the incident itself were made public. Shortly thereafter, his family reported him missing on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, expressing concern for his safety. His uncle, Mo Brings Plenty, used his platform on social media to plead for information, stating that Cole was not "on the run," contradicting the perception that he was fleeing the police.

Finding Cole and Ruling Out Foul Play

The search concluded tragically on Friday, April 5, 2024, when deputies from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office discovered his body. He was found inside a vehicle in a wooded area near 200th and Homestead Lane in Johnson County, Kansas. Following an investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, authorities stated there was "no indication of foul play" in the actor's death. This official finding led to the Lawrence Police Department releasing a statement that their agency lacked "jurisdiction" to continue their investigation into the alleged domestic violence incident, effectively closing the case from their end.

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The Sealed Cause of Death and The Family's Plea for Justice

Despite the official ruling of "no foul play," the most significant and persistent mystery surrounding Cole Brings Plenty's passing is the official cause of death. The lack of transparency has created a void of information, which his family has actively sought to fill with a push for greater scrutiny.

The Court Order Sealing the Autopsy Report

In a rare move, a Johnson County judge legally sealed the actor's autopsy report and all information related to the case. This court order means the public, including the media and many concerned fans, cannot access the official medical examiner's findings that would typically determine the manner of death. This action has only amplified the curiosity and the desire for clarity regarding the final moments of the young actor's life. The family reportedly asked for the autopsy to be sealed, though the reasons for this request remain private.

The Call for a "Fair Investigation"

Months after the discovery, Cole's father, Joseph Brings Plenty Sr., released an emotional statement expressing gratitude for the prayers and positive thoughts sent for his son. Crucially, the family has maintained that there is "still no explanation" for Cole's death and has publicly called for a "fair investigation." The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has also been noted as seeking a more thorough investigation, expressing concern that authorities were not adequately looking into the circumstances. This ongoing advocacy highlights the community's belief that the full story of what happened to Cole has yet to be revealed.

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Legacy and Remembrance in the Indigenous Community

Cole Brings Plenty’s impact extended beyond his on-screen work. His death sparked a collective mourning within the Native American community and led to a poignant remembrance by his colleagues.

Honoring Pete Plenty Clouds

The cast and crew of *1923* honored the late actor. The first episode of the show's second season on Paramount+ included a dedication to Cole Brings Plenty, ensuring his contribution to the *Yellowstone* universe and his portrayal of Pete Plenty Clouds—a character who endured the hardships of the American Indian boarding school system—will be remembered.

The Final Journey Home

Funeral services were a significant cultural event, held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Following the service, Cole was laid to rest at the Brings Plenty Family Cemetery in Red Scaffold, S.D. The services provided an opportunity for the community to celebrate his life, his advocacy, and his spirit, which his family noted was "soaring with eagles now."

The full truth behind Cole Brings Plenty's death may remain legally obscured by the court-ordered seal on the cause of death. However, the legacy of the young Mniconju Lakota actor, the questions surrounding his final days, and his family's persistent quest for answers continue to keep the spotlight on this tragic and complex case.