Abe Braaten
Abe Braaten (1977–2004), also known as Abu or Steven, was born and raised in the The Family, and left the group in 2000. As a teenager he was often sent to Victor Programs for re-education. His mother, Yumiko Taniguchi (known to group members as Phoenix), is a PACRO Continental Officer (CO).
Braaten passed away December 14, 2004 in Kobe, Japan. He is survived by his wife Yoko and two sons. Before his death, he worked as a private English teacher for many Japanese children.
Braaten died from the impact of falling from a five-story building. Since there was no one around, it is impossible to confirm whether he jumped or fell, but many of his family and close friends, including those who were with him the evening before his death, believe it was a suicide.
