Austin Miles Smith ~ Mowgli Miles

Austin Miles Smith, known to many as "Mowgli Miles", died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, December 5, 2024. He was 29 years young.

Losing Austin brings tremendous pain and heartache to his family, friends, and all who knew him. He was a bright shining star whose radiant light has gone out much too soon.

Born as a twin and six weeks premature, at 7:53am on Friday, the 13th of January 1995, Austin’s life began with intensity and adventure. At just 4 pounds 5 ounces, Austin was born a fighter. He pushed his way out of the womb first, followed by his twin sister Hope. His early days were filled with several health struggles, which he eventually outgrew and overcame. He had thick, soft brown hair, big beautiful brown eyes, and a huge, sweet smile that assured his parents he was going to make it. After three weeks in the NICU, he and his sister Hope were able to go home to their parents. Austin was a happy child. He could be mellow and calm, and shy at times, and could also be ornery, tough, and outgoing. He was filled with empathy, love and kindness. He was very active in his youth and excelled at many sports.

His creative side began to show very early on. He knew he wanted to be artistic. He loved music and people and he used photography to capture the beauty of the world. In 2012 at the age of 17, he was, in his own words, “gifted with inspiration from the universe”, based on a photo he had taken many years earlier, which had profoundly touched his heart, of two little boys playing in the back of a pickup truck. One boy was white and one boy was black, and they did not see color. They had not yet been taught hate and racism. Inspired by that photo, Austin started his own clothing brand IF, which stands for Interracial Friends. His brand was his life and his passion and was about so much more than clothing. IF is an idea, a vibe, a lifestyle, and a mission. It’s about equality, inclusion, and love. He developed his creative identity and became known as Mowgli Miles. In a world that can be an ugly and hateful place, Mowgli saw and lived beauty and love. He yearned to end the obscenity of ignorance and racism and to teach others to see the world and to see each other as innocent children do: without hate or prejudice.

Mowgli will be forever remembered as a beacon of light and hope. His message of love and tolerance will live on with his memory.

“MUCH LOVE FOR THE LOVE”

Austin Miles Smith aka Mowgli Miles was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1996 when he was 18 months old. He moved to downtown Denver, Colorado in November of 2023, where he resided at the time of his passing. He leaves behind a legacy of love and light. He is survived by his mother Dana Smith, his father Ronney, and his twin sister Hope; his paternal grandmother Barbara Smith, uncles Damon Smith and Lenny Smith, and aunt Terrie Montour; as well as many dear friends who love and adore him. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Milford & Margy Hoaglen and his paternal grandfather Walter Smith.

A Celebration of Austin's Life will take place on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 at 2pm at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, so the family can plan ahead, by commenting in the memories section or emailing the funeral director at [email protected]. Thank you.

Treasured memories of Austin and words of kindness and support for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.