Cole Brings Plenty, the actor known for his role in the “Yellowstone” prequel series “1923,” has been found dead after going missing last week. He was 27.
The actor’s body was found on Friday after police officers of Johnson County, Kansas were dispatched to examine an unoccupied vehicle, the county sheriff’s office said in a press release. The investigation is ongoing.
“Deputies checked the area and discovered a deceased male in a wooded area away from the vehicle,” the police said. “The deceased male has been identified as Cole Brings Plenty, 27.”
The actor was last seen in the early morning hours of March 31 leaving out of Lawrence, Kansas in a white Ford Explorer, according to a missing person poster shared on Instagram by his uncle Moses Brings Plenty—a fellow actor who plays Mo, an integral character of the “Yellowstone” series.
“Cole missed an appointment with his agent for a TV show, which is uncharacteristic for him,” the poster read, adding that he also had his cellphone switched off.
“I am deeply saddened to confirm that my son, Cole, has been found and is no longer with us,” Joe Brings Plenty Sr. said in a statement on behalf of the family. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the prayers and positive thoughts you sent for Cole.”
“We would also like to thank everyone who came to walk beside us as we searched for my son and provided the resources we needed to expand our search areas. I learned this week how many people knew the goodness in Cole’s heart and loved him.”
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy as we process our grief and figure out how we move forward,” the statement continued. “Please know we appreciate you and appreciate your understanding.”
The death of the young actor has prompted an outpouring of tributes, including from “Yellowstone” stars.
Hassie Harrison, who portrays barrel racer Laramie in the Paramount series, wrote on Instagram: “Oh, Mo. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending love and light to your whole family.”
Domestic Violence Investigation
The “1923” actor was previously identified as a suspect in a domestic violence dispute. In an April 2 announcement, Lawrence Police Department said they had “probable cause” for his arrest and issued an alert to area agencies.“Officers responded to reports of a female screaming for help, but the suspect fled before officers arrived,” the police said days before the actor was found deceased. “The investigation identified Brings Plenty and traffic cameras showed him leaving the city immediately after the incident, traveling southbound on 59 Highway.”
Lawrence police said they will refrain from disclosing additional details about this incident, given the sensitive nature of domestic violence.
“This incident involves allegations of domestic violence, which limits the amount of information we can share to protect the victim,” the announcement read.
The family contacted officers, expressed concern, and reported Mr. Brings Plenty as a missing person, the police noted.
In addition to playing sheep herder Pete Plenty Clouds in two episodes of “1923,” Mr. Brings Plenty appeared in two Western TV series, 2022’s “Into the Wild Frontier” and 2024’s “The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger.”
Premiered in December 2022, “1923” is a prequel to the modern-day ranch saga in “Yellowstone,” taking place in the titular year. It’s also a sequel to the previous Yellowstone spinoff, “1883,” which follows the Dutton forefathers as they embark on a wild adventure west from Texas to Montana and form the beginnings of what will become the Yellowstone Ranch.
