Renowned celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation has tragically passed away at the age of 39. The cause of his sudden death remains under investigation.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Nation died at a gym on February 14. Authorities are actively gathering more information regarding the circumstances of his passing.
Just days before his unexpected death, Nation was celebrating a major career achievement—styling Catherine O’Hara’s hair for her Michelob Ultra Super Bowl commercial. Expressing his excitement, he shared in a February 10 Instagram post:
“My first ever Super Bowl commercial! What an absolute blast to work on. Thank you, Catherine O’Hara, for having me be a part of this epic commercial.”
A Flourishing Career in Hairstyling
Throughout his career, Nation built an impressive portfolio, working with high-profile clients such as Demi Moore, Simone Ashley, Venus Williams, Alix Earle, and Emma Chamberlain. He styled Moore for the Yves Saint Laurent show in Paris in 2022 and worked with Jared Leto for the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala in December 2023.
Beyond styling, Nation was a respected educator and ambassador for major beauty brands, including SexyHair and Fekkai. His artistry was recognized in top publications such as British Vogue, W, Elle, Marie Claire, InStyle, and Wonderland.
The hairstyling community is mourning his loss. Behind the Chair, the world’s largest network for salon professionals, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“Graham was a one-of-a-kind soul who impacted every single person he met. We are honored to have been part of his journey and to have helped him share his artistry with the world.”
Mary Rector, founder and creative director of Behind the Chair, also reflected on Nation’s character:
“Graham was one of the kindest, most gentle souls in this business. His talent was unmistakable, his ego was nonexistent, and his time with us was unforgettable.”
A Devoted Partner and Father
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Nation—whose real name was Graham Cheek—was a loving partner to Tonya Brewer. The couple announced in May 2024 that they were expecting their first child. In a heartwarming video, Nation lovingly kissed Brewer’s pregnant belly before wrapping his arms around her. Brewer captioned the post: “We made a baby.”
On August 10, 2024, the couple welcomed their son, Romeo West. Nation marked the occasion with a touching photo of himself cradling the newborn close to his chest.
Honoring His Memory
Following his sudden passing, friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Brewer and their six-month-old son. The fundraiser’s message read:
“With the deepest sorrow, we suddenly lost our beloved Graham on Friday, February 14. His passing was completely unexpected. His family is left bereft and in a state of tragic shock and sorrow.”
As of this publication, the campaign has raised $171,735 of its $175,000 goal to help Brewer and Romeo navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Friends and colleagues continue to honor Nation’s legacy, describing his work ethic as “unparalleled” and emphasizing the love he shared with Brewer:
“Graham and Tonya built their relationship on strong moral values, working together to create a lasting legacy for their beautiful family. This was, without a doubt, Graham’s greatest ambition.”
They also pledged to keep his memory alive for his son:
“As Graham continues to be a ray of light and inspiration, we will ensure that his legacy lives on for his son, Romeo.”
Beyond financial support, friends hope to uplift Brewer as she navigates this profound loss.
“We honor Graham’s family, the Cheek family, who raised him to be the incredible son, brother, and friend we all knew and loved,” they shared.
They also extended their condolences to Brewer’s family, recognizing the immense joy Nation brought to their daughter’s life through the family they built together.
As those who knew him come together to celebrate his life, one thing is certain—Graham Nation’s impact will endure, not just through his artistry, but in the hearts of those who loved him most.