I MET NAKOTAH AND HIS FATHER STEVE AT THE RANKOKUS INDIAN RESEVATION IN N.J. AROUND THE YEAR OF 1997. I WAS IMPRESSED BY THE EXTREME TALENTS OF NAKOTAH.ALSO, IT WAS A PLEASURE IN MEETING STEVE WHO IMPRESSED ME AS A KIND AND EXTREME GENTLEMAN. JUST LEARNED OF NAKOTAHS PASSING LAST NIGHT ON YOU TUBE. MAY THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY CONTINUE TO HEAL THE FAMILY AND ALL WHO LOVE NAKOTAH.

Posted by FLOYD CRANMER JR. - WARREN GROVE, NJ - acquaintance   November 30, 2021

Such a heartbreaking loss. The talent this young man shared with the world will live on in many ways, not least the young lives of future dancers he inspired. I wish he’d had more time to pass on the teachings. To Nakotah’s family, friends, and all his relations, I hope your pain is replaced with the joy of your memories.

Posted by Kim Kondra - Vancouver, BC   February 26, 2021

Dear Family,
I would like to apologize for the typos in the earlier message sent today. Nakota was a unique dancer. He will
be remembered with great admiration. I was happy to have danced in a circle with him at the Heard one Friday evening during a presentation.
sincerely,
Jane Kincaid

Posted by Mary Jane - Phoenix, AZ - acquaintance   February 13, 2021

Dear LaRance Family and Lightning Boy Foundation members and student dancers, I am so sorry for your loss.
Majors was amazing. I am thankful to have watched him dance for 5 years at the Heard Museum. Hopefully we will all be able to come together in 2022 and honor him in person. Best wishes to all of his students. I shall wear my Lightning Boy t-shirt proudly.
My deep sympathy fir your loss.
Jane Kincaid
Phoenix, AZ

Posted by Mary Kincaid - Phoenix, AZ - acquaintance   February 13, 2021

Miss his essence

Posted by Marilyn Gonzalez    January 04, 2021

As I watched you hoop dance I was mesmerized by every dance move, maneuvering each hoop and creating symbols of Mother Nature, that was truly magical.
I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing and thought no this cannot be true, I did not know you however I cried and thought about how devastating your parents, family, friends and all those life’s you touched must be.
I am sure each step that you walked up the golden ladder to heaven was amazing.
Rest In Peace Nakota!

Posted by Nora Martin - Tofino, BC - friend   December 15, 2020

Posted by Darcey La Rance - LAS VEGAS, NV - acquaintance   October 02, 2020

I would like to say that Nakotahs death broke my heart. I did not know him but I felt that he was family. A gentle eagle flying high in purity. I would love to have something that belonged to him like beads or a feather.May he rest in peace. Strength and respect to the family.

Posted by Marilyn Gonzalez Sánchez - Peñuelas, Puerto Rico - significant_other   September 02, 2020

Been watching and admiring this young extremely talented dancer. He was an inspiration to everyone. I was shocked to hear of his passing. He;s in the spirit world now. Thank you for all the good and beauty that you've shared with all of us. Meegwetch.

Posted by Morningstar Wabanonik - Ottawa, ON - friend   August 12, 2020

Cant believe what i just read, so saddened by this terrible news. RIP Nakotah & my condolences to his family.

Posted by Sandra    August 03, 2020

My heart is heavy. Nakotah's gift was to show us how we are all interconnected. He, the hoops and the drumming/chanting were one. Grateful I was able to see him dance twice at Summer Solstice in New Mexico. Deep sympathy to his Grandfather who was with him at Solstice and all of his family, friends and students.

Posted by Sach Bhagti Kaur - Yarmouth, NS - friend   July 31, 2020

To the family my dearest and most heart felt condolences are with you all during this most difficult time. May you find comfort knowing that Nakota touched so many people Known and unknown through his dancing his personality and his humble self. He represented not only his own tribe but tribes of all nations when he would perform. He was always passionate about the future of the next generation knowing and understanding their native culture. He will always be remembered not only for his dancing but for the person he was. Nothing meant more to him then the children. He will be missed but never forgotten. Find solice that Nakota’s life although short was fulfilled with all he accomplished and that the great spirit has allowed him to come home and reunite with his brother. RIP NAKOTA LARANCE.

Posted by Sonja Aragon - Phoenix, AZ   July 26, 2020

When i saw him dance, i forgot my problematic life and was provided hope,,and the beat is still within me

Posted by Cedar Woods - WA   July 23, 2020

whoo whoo will miss u

Posted by bobby gummo - Rockdale, TX   July 23, 2020

Nakotah was truly a very talented dancer as demonstrated on the video.
I wish I was able to see him in a live performance.
I’m so sorry for his loss and my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Posted by Eneida Roldan - New York, NY - friend   July 22, 2020

Nakotah LaRance was truly one of a kind and like no other. He put his heart and soul into everything that he did. He loved dancing and performing for the world. Nakotah was always happy and smiling. Nakotah was loved by many. He will never be forgotten. I am so grateful that he showed me his world and let me be a part of it. Nakotah you will forever be a part of me and will always be in my heart.

Posted by Dorothy Shepherd - Phoenix, AZ - friend   July 22, 2020

It was a pleasure meeting you Nakotah last spring. Just a few hours spent with you and friends were cherished and always will be in my fondest memories. Fly free dear Nakotah in the clouds as you dance with the winds. RIP my friend. Eileen Smith

Posted by Eileen Smith - Mcneal, AZ - friend   July 21, 2020

The world lost a legend and the heavens gained one. May the spirit of Nakotah dance with all who honor his memory. Amen.

Posted by Veronica Fischer - Maumee, OH   July 20, 2020

Thank you for your hope love athletic talent you gave to all. Seeing you in beautiful regalia with a smile and pride makes my dancing to go on in life. I am San Carlos Apache from the state of Arizona. Still trying to keep up with the youth and elders. You and your hoop dancing will be missed. I made a purple Haze calico shawl in your memory. Your Spirit will be missed by all. Rest in peace. Lisa Juneau not French. Peace

Posted by Lisa eve Juneau - San carlos, AZ - neighbor   July 20, 2020

Hugs and prayers to those close to him. What amazingly talented young man. So powerful. So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Sally Frodge - Alexandria, VA   July 20, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. Ive watched several videos of Nakotah and am amazed at his powerful, beautiful hoop dancing. I wish you peace and healing.

Posted by A friend   July 20, 2020

Extending Deepest Sympathies to Family and Friends.

Posted by Barbara Ranous - Peoria, AZ   July 20, 2020

My deepest sympathy your loss. I first watched Nakotah dance at the Northern Arizona Museum Hopi festival in 2005. I could feel his magic as he danced and seemed to float above the ground.

Posted by A friend   July 20, 2020

His incredible talent will keep him alive in the memory of many of us who only saw his dancing thru videos.

Posted by Polly Frizzell - Austin, TX   July 20, 2020

HANTA YO ,,, Dances With Thunder Now ,,, we will meet again ,,,
Rebecca " WarPole " EaglesAguilar

Posted by Rebecca Aguilar - WOODVILLE, TX - friend   July 20, 2020

How sad. You lived your life to the fullest and shared it with all of us. We will miss you.

Posted by Cheryl Brubaker - Albuquerque, NM - friend   July 20, 2020

So sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Posted by Esther Puchi    July 20, 2020

Deepest condolences to the family of Nakotah, whose talents were taken from us too soon. His performances filled people with joy and wonder. May he find rest and peace in oneness with the universe, while we on this earthly plane mourn his passing. His contribution to the human species was a great gift for us all and we will cherish it always.

Posted by Linda Neuman - Annapolis, MD   July 20, 2020

What a inspiring beautiful dancer. RIP Brother.

Posted by A friend   July 20, 2020

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU CLOSE TO HIS HEART

Posted by Barbara Ramsey - Champaign, IL   July 20, 2020

Condolences to his family and friends - he was so good!!!! May you always walk in sunshine!!!! Rest In Peace!!!!

Posted by Katherine Leann Ladd - Ruidoso, NM   July 19, 2020

I am saddened by this terrible news. I will never forget his coming to La Rochelle with his family. He was a great champion of dance hoop. Rest in peace my friend

Posted by Lecaer - Acquaintance   July 19, 2020

How sad this news makes me. Nakotah was spectacular! He touched many lives with his thrilling dancing.
My condolences to his family and friends.

Posted by Jeanne Gillespie - San Jose, CA   July 19, 2020

So sorry for your loss .. This young soul was truly amazing.. May God hold his family a little tighter and feel his love

Posted by Audrey Trujillo - Santa Fe, NM - friend   July 19, 2020

Ay your spirit soar as light as you dance thank you for alliwing me to see your God gave us your amazing telent i as God to Comfort Your Family And friends From a fan .

Posted by Brenda DEHERRERA    July 18, 2020

My heartfelt condolences is the family and friends rest now my friend

Posted by Kathy Rivera - Corona, CA - friend   July 18, 2020

Just viewed a video on Facebook of nakotas hip hop hoop dancing - mesmerizing! That he passed away was a huge tragedy. Such a talent - indescribable! Im an 80 y/o woman, and the fusion of hip hop & tradition was beautifully astounding. What a loss! Sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

Posted by Anita Hermosillo - Durango, CO   July 18, 2020

My deepest condolences to the LaRance family, so very sorry for your loss. As you shed your tears, may God be with all of you to give you comfort and strength to carry you through such a difficult time.

Posted by A friend   July 18, 2020

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God bless.

Posted by Tina Kubota - Dublin, OH - acquaintance   July 17, 2020

Too tragicHis hoop dance was so gorgeously amazing, and felt like the absolute perfect Dance for the Universe, with the 5 hoops so gracefully and skillfully balanced of this beautiful young man's shoulders - one hoop for each of our continents.
Dearest, the World lost a Uniquely Kind Soul. May Your Rest in the Just Peace, and msy Your Legacy live on.
My warmest condolences to his families and friends.

Posted by Christiane Ehrenreich - Milwaukee, WI   July 17, 2020

Prayers to Mr. LaRance family and friends. So much talent, heaven gained an angel!

Posted by Rhonda - MD   July 17, 2020

Thank you for sharing your life light with the world. What a blessing to have witnessed your talent of hoop dancing. Travel well amongst the stars. Your make a difference on your Earth walk.

Posted by Rosetta Walker - Tempe, AZ - acquaintance   July 17, 2020

Wow! How tragic a loss for such a young amazing and super talented young man. My deepest condolences to Nakotahs family. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to each one of you at this distressing time.

Posted by A friend   July 17, 2020

condolences go out to the LaRance family. So sorry for your loss.

Posted by LeeRoy    July 17, 2020

May you soar with the eagles till we meet again

Posted by Kathy Moore - Coopersville, MI - friend   July 17, 2020

So sorry for his loss my condoleances ❤

Posted by Magda Hattu-Monaten - Ridderkerk The Netherlands   July 17, 2020

I remember this great dance done while working with Cirque Du Sokeil. We even own one of the videos. Such great fun. May the memories carry you through this very difficult time.My condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. (Isa 61:1.)

Posted by Jan Deer    July 17, 2020

Condolences for you.

Posted by Barbara    July 17, 2020

To the LaRance family I give my deepest heartfelt condolences for the loss of Nakota, an extraordinary creative and generous son & family member to many. His joyful memory will live forever.

Posted by Patricia Danz - Rochester Hills, MI   July 16, 2020

I'm so sorry for this terrible loss. I've always admired Cirque du Soleil' artists. They're incredible and their skills are admirable. I've always tried to imagine how long and how much it has taken to them to achieve that level of excellence. Nakotah was a young man who had a lot more to share with the world. My heart aches for him and for his family. I'm an admirer from Mexico.

Posted by Gloria Elvira - Mexico, NM - friend   July 16, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of seeing him at Mt. Rushmore some years back. My he rest in peace.

Posted by Henry Winters - Union, MO   July 16, 2020

Heavy hearts you leave behind , prayers for all , God speed you home . ♥

Posted by Esther Bonneville - Olalla, WA - friend   July 16, 2020

Am very very deeply saddened by nakotah passing.
My grandson's and I watch him all the time. Heartfelt condolences to you. Tears in my eyes, pain in my heart for the passing of a great young man.

Posted by Lorraine James - Victoria, BC   July 16, 2020

Word's can't express the overwhelmed feeling I am feeling since I've heard of your passing, my dear friend I will always remember the fun times we shared, the cold pizza and you cracking your jokes Ong I miss you!! Sending prayers to everyone who was blessed by knowing you!! I always called you a Goodfella because you set the standard so High I love you man!! I'll see you again on the other side, save a seat for me ☺

Posted by Jennifer Fulbright - Friend   July 16, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always. I'm going to miss spending time with you! You were the best of friends and I absolutely cherished the times we spent together. I miss you already, Kotah Bear!! I'll stay in touch with your family for as long as I'm here in this crazy world.

Posted by Carla McCarthy - Friend   July 16, 2020

I was deeply sadden to hear that Nakotah had passed on. My condolences to his family.

Posted by Cheryl Neakok - BARROW, AK   July 16, 2020

My condolences to the family. We can all agree that He passed way to soon . BUT he is in a better place

Posted by Rich Sefl - AZ - friend   July 16, 2020

Be at peace beautiful soul. Condolences to family and friends

Posted by Terryan Mulder - Winmalee. Australia - significant_other   July 16, 2020

He appeared to have been a very dynamic individual. It's a Shame that I am just now seeing him. May he Rest In Peace

Posted by Charles Gamble - Houston, TX   July 16, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Posted by A friend   July 16, 2020

Please accept my deepest condolences to the LaRance Family, so sad to hear about Nakotahs tragic accident. May the God of Comfort caress your grieving hearts with His endless loving kindness and peace as you get through each difficult day only in His strength. Although gone way too soon, he left a legacy in this world at such a young age.

Posted by BRY    July 16, 2020

What a beautiful man with an exceptional talent. Sorry for the world's loss.

Posted by Suzanne Genest - Barnstable, MA - acquaintance   July 16, 2020

Sincere heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Nakotah LaRance. May Almighty God touch their hearts and spirit with his everlasting promise of paradise. May he strengthen, comfort and sustain them now and in the days to come.

Posted by Mike C    July 16, 2020

Posted by Vinja Sovi - Zadar - friend   July 16, 2020

We are saddened by the loss of such an inspired and inspiring young man. He was talented, kind, and giving. We saw him in the hoop dancing competitions at the Heard Museum and were in awe of his creativity and energy. One of our daughters met him and his sister, and befriended them when they all were training in Montreal for Cirque du Soleil shows. He and his sister were in Totem, which travelled the world. Our daughter was in O and met them there. She and we express our condolences to his parents and family. Such a terrible loss.

Posted by Halina Czerniejewski - Scottsdale, AZ - acquaintance   July 16, 2020

My condolences to Nakorah's family. So much spirit, talent and life.

Posted by A friend   July 15, 2020

May he Rest In Peace with the angels, thoughts and prayers for his family ❤

Posted by Nancy Bacon    July 15, 2020

Sore high and my you RIP Nakotah. You will truly be missed with in our native community.

Posted by Liz Minor - Williams, AZ   July 15, 2020

He was a bright shining light . Prayers

Posted by Karen Guilliams - Claremore, OK   July 15, 2020

A life taken far too soon , one of the most talented dancers I have ever witnessed, it was great happiness to watch his performances danced from his soul with-in . Dancing a different path now to light the way for others that can not find their way . Please Grandfather/Motherearth let the journey to the next life be as good. Thank You for sharing your gift to us.
[The Lomalynda Family of the Mishewal/Wappo Nation
Obadiah,Turtle,Otter,Tesla,Memphis,Mackenzie,Atreyu,
Kodah River,Makayla,Brian & Mark ] R.I.P. Ka`nib`bish

Posted by Obadiah Lomalynda - Deer Park, CA - acquaintance   July 15, 2020

We are so sorry at this news! He was an exceptional person.

Carl and Holly Taylor

Posted by Carl and Holly Taylor - Flagstaff, AZ - friend   July 15, 2020

I am sorry for the loss of such a young talented guy. My love and prayers go out to his family.

Posted by Jeneal Andrews - Magna, UT - friend   July 15, 2020

I am sorry I never met while on this plain, but thank you for your wonderful gifts of spirit and art ts to the world.

Posted by Barbara Lott-Holland - Los Angeles, CA - acquaintance   July 15, 2020

I did not know Nakotah, but I am now and always will be mesmerized by his gifts. To say He was a very talented Hoop Dancer would be an understatement, for I found His art inspirational. He seemed one with the hoops and very connected to the music. I am forever touched by what he gave and so it would follow that this is true for everyone who has ever witnessed the spirit of his dance. And I who did not know him feel the loss of his presence in the world. Gone too soon. Remembered always.

Posted by MATOOKA MOONBEAR - Alfred, ME   July 15, 2020

Nokotah. was a wonderful dancer and will certainly be missed. To the family I am truly sorry for your tragic loss. Peace and comfort to the family and many fans as you mourn your loss.

Posted by - IL   July 15, 2020

Our sincere condolences to Nakotah's family and especially to his wife.
Love from
My Fiance Vincent and me

Posted by Tonja and Vincent Zemp - Bière - friend   July 15, 2020

A note of sympathy to the family of Nakotah such a talented performer.It was so evident that he really enjoyed performing. May the God of love and tender mercy comfort and strengthen you in this sad time

Posted by KB - GA   July 15, 2020

My husband and I attend the Heard Museum Hoop Dancing Championship almost every year. We got to see him dance the last two time he was announced champion. He was so graceful, strong and elegant as well as handsome. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Posted by A friend   July 15, 2020

May the memories carry you through this very difficult time.My condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. (Isa 61:1.)

Posted by Sue Deer    July 15, 2020

Toutes nos condoléances a la famille de Nakotah et surtout a sa femme Cheryle Brice et la fille Amber de sa femme

Posted by Tonja et Vincent Zemp - Bière - friend   July 15, 2020

So sad to hear about such a young talent gone so soon. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this extremely difficult time.

Posted by A friend   July 15, 2020

My Condolences to the family.

Posted by A friend   July 15, 2020

Its with a heavy heart I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family.

Posted by Lorraine Hausman - Santa Fe, NM - friend   July 15, 2020

What a talented young man. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

Posted by Jerri Mott - LAWRENCE, MI   July 15, 2020

lease accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. At this difficult time, may the God of tender mercies comfort you and give you peace.

Posted by Mary - Neighbor   July 15, 2020

I am stunned and saddened by this horrible news. My deepest sympathy and prayers for your family.

Posted by Lani Russell - Dallas, TX - acquaintance   July 15, 2020

I am very sorry for your loss but very soon death will be the last thing God will be done with says the bible. All of us will inherit life forever.

Posted by Abigail H    July 15, 2020

My deepest most heartfelt condolences to the family of this beautiful young man. A champion hoop dancer who loved his community. I am deeply sadden by his untimely death. I pray for his family during this difficult time.

Posted by Lisa Tipton - DANDRIDGE, TN   July 15, 2020