Police have released the latest update in the investigation into actor Cole Brings Plenty's death.
The 27-year-old was initially reported missing on April 2, last seen alive on 31 March, however, he was later found dead in a woodland area in Kansas on April 5.
Concerns were first raised for the actor - best known for starring in Paramount+ Western drama 1923, a spin-off of Yellowstone - when he failed to show up for an audition, his agent said.
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Prior to his disappearance, an arrest warrant had been issued for the actor after police were called to an address in Lawrence on Sunday (March 31) to assist with an incident where a woman was screaming for help. Cole was charged with aggravated burglary, domestic battery and criminal restraint.
Cole was declared a missing person on April 2, but three days later his body was found by police around 43 miles southwest of Kansas City.
His passing was confirmed by his father, Joe Brings Plenty, in a statement on his behalf shared by Cole's uncle, fellow actor Mo Brings Plenty.
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The statement read Cole was 'no longer with us' and expressed the family's 'heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the prayers and positive thoughts you sent for Cole'.
"I learned this week how many people knew the goodness in Cole's heart and loved him," Joe said.
Sheriff Hayden from Johnson County KS Sheriff's Office released an update 'regarding an incident that occurred on 5 April, 2024' on Facebook yesterday (April 10).
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The press release reads: "Detectives, crime scene investigators, and the Medical Examiner's Office have been working diligently with the Lawrence Police Department and the Brings Plenty family.
"There is no indication of foul play in the death of Cole Brings Plenty."
The department noted if anyone has 'any questions' to contact the JCSO PIO Sergeant Jesse Valdez via phone or email.
A separate statement was also released by Lawrence Kansas Police Department.
The post to Facebook on the same day details a statement from Lawrence Kansas Police Chief Rich Lockhart who reflected on the case being 'tragic' for 'everyone involved'.
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Chief Lockhart commended KS Sheriff's Office for working 'very hard to investigate the incidents' and working 'very hard to find Cole'.
"None of us could have imagined this outcome," he added.
The chief went on to explain that through the series of events surrounding Cole's passing, he learned his police department 'must work harder to increase trust with our Native American community members'.
He continued: "Through meeting with Cole’s family members and members of our Native American community, I clearly see that we are not where we need to be in partnering with a community that is very important to Lawrence’s history and to its current culture.
"This sad series of events has been shared around the world. It’s my hope that future bridges we build and partnerships we form between our Native American community and our police department will create a relationship that will not only increase trust and understanding, but will also be a model for other communities."
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Topics: US News, Film and TV, Celebrity, Police, Facebook, Social Media