Extinction Rebellion to celebrate life of Raphael Coleman after his death in South Africa

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The tragic news of  Raphael Coleman's untimely passing at the age of 25 while out jogging in South Africa has sent shockwaves around the world.

Coleman had gone for a run as part of his training to go into the field to assist in the fight against animal poaching when he died of heart failure. He had not had any prior health issues.

Under the name "Iggy Fox" he worked for Extinction Rebellion, where he handled the eco group's social media - he had dedicated his life to saving the planet. On their website, the Extinction Rebellion members wrote: Iggy Fox, you will be missed and remembered. It has been an honour and a privilege to have known you, even if it was all too brief. 

You were a true warrior, who tirelessly worked on behalf of others, on behalf of all life. You had the fire of youth and a wisdom that belied your age. The world has lost one of its fiercest and most dedicated defenders. 

Our thoughts are with Iggy’s family and friends at this time. Iggy brought so much to Extinction Rebellion. Despite being only 25, Iggy had a great impact on the movement from being arrested partaking in many actions, taking charge of our social media, to being a highly engaging presenter and interviewer on XR UK live streams, to creating compelling photography and videography of actions which always captured the moment. All this and so much more.

We are holding a tribute to Iggy this Thursday in London so that those that knew him can come together in our grief and in celebration of his life. Gathering from 6 pm at the Brazilian Embassy, all are welcome to attend. We ask that any media in attendance be respectful of our loss.

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We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of an incredible young scientist, conservationist and activist known to us as Iggy Fox.?? ?? Iggy worked with Extinction Rebellion from our early days and has contributed a vast amount of wisdom, time and love to the movement. He was known amongst rebels for his kindness, warmth, determination and incredible commitment to the cause of climate, ecological and social justice.?? ?? At the time of his passing, Iggy was working as part of an anti-poaching group in South Africa. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news – the global justice movement has lost a truly wonderful person. ?? ?? We are forever grateful for everything that you did to raise awareness and protect our precious Earth and all the life it sustains.?? ?? Thank you for your inspiration Iggy. Your legacy lives through us all. ?? __________?? ?? Here are some words from Iggy’s mother: ?? ?? Beloved Raphael, beloved Iggy- ?? ?? You were a force of nature, and now you are a new kind of force : you are atoms of chlorophyll, you are water, you are an ants nest, you are moss on a stone, a birds feather, a wolf’s paw print, a tiger, a tree, a praying mantis, a stingray, a squirrel. You are the sky and the sea and the forests and the mountains and the marshes and the deserts and everything in between. With your scientist’s and your writer’s eye, I think that’s how you’d see it.?? ?? You didn’t believe in heaven because you knew heaven was here on Earth. You saw it clearly and you helped others see it. It’s all here. All we could ever wish for or need us is all around us.? ?? Let’s celebrate him, with love and rage in our hearts: love for him and for this planet , rage against the injustices and damage knowingly inflicted by its elected and non elected leaders.?? ?? But mostly, love.

A post shared by Extinction Rebellion (@extinctionrebellion) on Feb 7, 2020 at 12:53pm PST

May you rest in peace, Raphael Coleman.