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The Tragic Losses: Remembering The Yellowstone Actors Who Have Passed Away

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The "Yellowstone" universe, renowned for its intense drama, sprawling ranch landscapes, and compelling characters, has unfortunately faced its share of real-life tragedy. As of December 25, 2025, the most recent and heartbreaking loss to the franchise family is the young actor Cole Brings Plenty, whose death sent shockwaves through the fan community and the Native American acting world. His passing, alongside the recent death of legendary actor Dabney Coleman and tributes to beloved cowboys, reminds fans of the deep ties the show has to the real world of ranching and Hollywood.

The tragedy of Cole Brings Plenty, an emerging talent from the prequel series 1923, has been particularly difficult for the cast and crew. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent discovery have led to an ongoing call for transparency and a deeper investigation into the events leading up to his untimely death. This article serves as a tribute, remembering the actors and figures whose contributions, both large and small, helped define the Dutton saga.

Cole Brings Plenty: The Tragic Loss of a Rising Star

The death of Cole Brings Plenty is the most recent and poignant loss for the Taylor Sheridan universe. He was a young actor whose career was just beginning to blossom, making his sudden passing deeply tragic for his family, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and his colleagues on the set of 1923.

  • Full Name: Cole Brings Plenty
  • Lakota Name: Given to him by his father, Joe Brings Plenty Sr.
  • Date of Birth: October 27, 1997
  • Date of Death: Found deceased on April 5, 2024
  • Age at Death: 27 years old
  • Yellowstone Role: Played Pete Plenty Clouds in the Yellowstone prequel series, 1923.
  • Family Connection: He was the nephew of Mo Brings Plenty, who plays Mo on the main Yellowstone series.
  • Circumstances of Death: Cole was found deceased in a wooded area in Kansas after being reported missing for several days amid a domestic violence investigation.
  • Investigation Status: Authorities stated there was "no indication of foul play" in his death. However, court documents related to the investigation were sealed, and his family and tribe have expressed concerns and pushed for a thorough and transparent investigation.
  • Memorial: Memorial services were held at Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School, followed by a luncheon and concluding services at the Brings Plenty Family Cemetery in Red Scaffold, South Dakota.

The Circumstances and Community Reaction

Cole Brings Plenty was reported missing after he was named a suspect in an alleged domestic violence incident. His uncle, Mo Brings Plenty, actively used social media to appeal for information about his nephew's whereabouts, highlighting the desperation of the family during the search.

When his body was discovered inside a vehicle in a wooded area, the Lawrence Police Department indicated that there was no evidence of foul play. This finding, however, has not satisfied everyone. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Cole's family have continued to advocate for more scrutiny, suggesting that the initial investigation may not have been comprehensive enough. The sealing of the cause of death details by a Johnson County judge only fueled the demand for greater transparency.

His father, Joe Brings Plenty Sr., spoke movingly after the funeral, describing how his world had been "scrambled" by the loss of his son, whose Lakota name marked his first spiritual breath. Vigils were held across the country to honor the young actor and to support the family's quest for answers.

Dabney Coleman: The Patriarch of the Dutton Dynasty

In addition to the tragic loss of a young talent, the Yellowstone family also mourned the passing of one of Hollywood's most distinguished character actors. Dabney Coleman, a prolific performer with a career spanning over six decades, died at the age of 92.

  • Full Name: Dabney Wharton Coleman
  • Date of Birth: January 3, 1932
  • Date of Death: May 16, 2024
  • Age at Death: 92 years old
  • Yellowstone Role: John Dutton II. He appeared in the Season 2 finale as the father of Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton III, in a pivotal flashback scene.
  • Notable Career Highlights: Coleman was renowned for his roles in classic films like 9 to 5 (1980), Tootsie (1982), and the television series Buffalo Bill. He was known for his masterful portrayal of cantankerous, sarcastic, and often villainous characters.
  • Legacy: His single, memorable appearance in Yellowstone cemented the lineage of the Dutton family, providing a rare glimpse into the history of the ranching dynasty.

A Brief, But Pivotal, Dutton Appearance

Coleman's role as John Dutton II was brief but significant. His appearance helped bridge the narrative gap between the Duttons of the 1920s (seen in 1923) and the modern-day patriarch, John Dutton III. The scene, a flashback to a pivotal moment in the Dutton family history, showcased Coleman's gravitas and ability to command a scene, even in a small role. His death prompted tributes from fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry, recognizing his immense contribution to film and television.

Remembering The Cowboys and Crew Honored by Yellowstone

The Yellowstone franchise is deeply rooted in the culture of real-life ranching and the cowboy way of life. Consequently, the show has also paid tribute to several non-acting figures—horsemen, cowboys, and crew members—whose expertise and spirit were essential to the series' authenticity. These tributes underscore the show creator Taylor Sheridan's commitment to honoring the community that inspires the show.

Bob Avila: The Legendary Horseman

The Season 5 finale of Yellowstone included a touching tribute to Bob Avila, a legendary figure in the world of reining and cutting horse competition. Avila was a celebrated horse trainer and clinician whose influence on the Western performance horse industry was immense. His inclusion and subsequent memorial highlight the show's respect for the real-life cowboys and women who are the backbone of the ranching world.

Buster Welch: Cowboy Royalty

The show also paid tribute to Buster Welch, often considered cowboy royalty. Welch was a horse-training maestro who appeared in Season 4 of Yellowstone. He passed away at the age of 94. His appearance in the series was a nod to his legendary status in the cutting horse world, giving fans a chance to see a true icon of the American West on screen.

Billy Klapper and Timothy Reynolds

Other vital, non-acting figures have also been honored in recent episodes. The first episode of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2, was dedicated to Billy Klapper, a "true cowboy" whose connection to the production was deeply felt. Additionally, a prior episode was dedicated to Timothy Reynolds, a crew member whose work was instrumental to the series' success. These tributes ensure that the entire family of the Yellowstone franchise, both on-screen talent and behind-the-scenes experts, is remembered.

The losses of Cole Brings Plenty, Dabney Coleman, Bob Avila, and others serve as a somber reminder of the human element behind the epic Dutton saga. As the franchise continues its final chapters and expands its universe, the memory of these individuals will undoubtedly live on, both in the hearts of the cast and crew, and in the enduring legacy of the show itself.

The Tragic Losses: Remembering The Yellowstone Actors Who Have Passed Away
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