WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Maricelle Gallegos says her friend Cole Brings Plenty is another case of indigenous people who disappear and are found mysteriously dead.

"It only seems to be getting worse," Gallegos said. "It feels like almost every day one of our relatives goes missing."

She attended Haskell Indian Nations University with the Lakota actor, who was featured in the series '1923.'

She was devastated when searchers found his body on April 5th.

"I was heartbroken for my community, for his family. And when it came to me being angry, I was angry that not a whole lot was being done, as it would have been, had it been anyone else."

Gallegos organized a prayer vigil in Wichita, the same day and hour vigils were taking place in native communities across the country.

The vigil featured traditional singing, drumming, and a Lakota prayer from Elder Mark Brown.

"Despite these challenges, we still strive to do the best we can for our tribe, our country, and our children, grandchildren," Brown said. "Our hearts are heavy, but yet, we will bounce back up. Because there's young ones coming up."

Lawrence police had wanted Brings Plenty in connection with a domestic violence case, which members of the indigenous community had a lot of questions about.

This past week, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office said there was no indication of foul play in Brings Plenty's death.

Gallegos said that she wishes law enforcement officials would do more to investigate the circumstances of his death, and to work closer with native people across the county.

"I'd like for law enforcement to become one with our nations and with our people. Because, you know, as of right now, we don't have any trust in them. And it's sad. And I feel like that is gonna make a big difference. When we can all come together."

Gallegos and a number of other Wichitans plan on attending Brings Plenty's funeral service this week on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.