Abe Braaten

Abe Braaten (1977 - 2004), also known as Abu or Steven, passed away December 14, 2004 in Kobe, Japan. He is survived by his wife Yoko and his two sons.

Braaten died from the impact of falling from a 4-story building. While it is difficult to confirm whether he jumped or fell, many of his family and close friends, including those who were with him moments before the event, believe it was a suicide.

Braaten left The Family International in 2000. As a teenager he was seen as rebellious by Family shepherds and was often sent to Victor Programs for re-education.

His mother, Yumiko Taniguchi (known to members as "Phoenix"), is a PACRO Continental Officer (CO), making her one of the top leaders in the Family today.

Press

• Common Thread of Sexual, Spiritual Abuse Among Cult Defectors Who Killed Themselves - by Don Lattin - January 27, 2005