Shirley Raines’s Daughter Shares Thoughts on Possible Cause of Her Passing After Tragic Discovery at Home

Shirley Raines.Credit :

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NEED TO KNOW

• Shirley Raines’s daughter shared new details about the ongoing investigation into the activist’s death at age 58.
• On January 27, Raines was found deceased in her home following a police welfare check.
• Raines’s daughter indicates authorities are “leaning toward natural causes” in determining the cause and manner of death.

Shirley Raines’s family has provided updates regarding the investigation into her untimely passing. Raines, a viral activist renowned for her efforts to assist homeless communities, was discovered deceased at her home in Henderson, Nevada, on January 27 after her youngest daughter, Rashawn Williams, requested a welfare check.

According to a police report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Raines was found “unresponsive” on the floor alongside her bed, with a “single white pill of some sort” located near her pillow. The report noted that Raines “was said to have been having” a medication, though the specific name was redacted.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Raines’s daughter, Danielle Williams, expressed her belief that the pill was likely her mother’s daily Prozac, an antidepressant she often discussed publicly. Danielle noted that while she could not confirm the exact medication, she would be “absolutely shocked” if it were something else.

Shirley Raines.

Vivien Killilea/Getty

The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed on February 2 that Raines’s official cause and manner of death remain pending. Danielle further stated her belief that authorities might determine the cause to be natural.

As for the ongoing investigation, LVMPD declined to provide comments as of February 2.

Raines’s twin sister, Shelia, previously revealed that Rashawn attempted to reach her mother throughout the day on January 27, calling her phone and eventually waiting outside the home, even throwing rocks to gain a response. Concerned for her mother’s safety, Rashawn called the police, who subsequently forced entry into the residence.

Shirley’s son was noted as the last person to communicate with her, having done so on the early afternoon of January 23.

Founding the nonprofit Beauty 2 The Streetz, Raines dedicated her efforts to providing food and various forms of aid to homeless people in Skid Row, Los Angeles, which hosts one of the largest homeless populations in the United States.

Shirley Raines.

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Her organization gained significant recognition online, amassing over 6 million followers on various social media platforms. Raines often shared videos highlighting her work, including providing aid to the homeless and offering makeovers to women in need.

Reflecting on her mission in a 2020 interview, Shirley stated, “One of the things I wanted to do was change the face of homelessness… Just because they’re without a home does not mean they’re without love.”

Beauty 2 The Streetz announced Raines’s passing with a heartfelt tribute, stating that she was known for her “tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment.”

Shirley Raines.

Leon Bennett/Getty

The announcement of her passing elicited numerous tributes from celebrities who recognized her significant contributions to the homeless community. TikTok star Keith Lee remarked, “This lady poured into everyone around her and made everything she touched better.” Singer Lizzo expressed her devastation, stating, “People like her are rare and special; they deserve to be protected and honored.”

In honor of Shirley Raines, her family is planning both a private funeral and a public day of service later this month.