Shirley Raines Cause Of Death Remains Unclear As Daughter Shares New Details

The cause of death of Shirley Raines, the widely known activist whose work on Skid Row drew national attention, remains under investigation as her family begins to speak publicly about what they know so far.

Raines was found dead in her Henderson home on January 27. She was 58. Authorities became involved after her daughter, Rashawn Williams, requested a welfare check when she was unable to reach her mother. Officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department later discovered Raines unresponsive on the floor beside her bed.

In the days since, the focus has turned to a small but significant detail noted in a public police report. According to that report, a single white pill was found near Raines’ pillow. Investigators also recorded that she was “said to have been taking” a medication, though the name of the drug was redacted from the document.

Raines’ daughter Danielle Williams has since offered her understanding of what that pill may have been. She said she believes it was likely her mother’s daily Prozac, a commonly prescribed antidepressant that Raines was known to take. Danielle emphasized that she has not been given confirmation by authorities and is relying only on what she knows about her mother’s routine.

Despite the uncertainty, Danielle said she would be “absolutely shocked” if the pill turned out to be any medication other than Prozac. Her comments suggest a family trying to reconcile sudden loss with fragments of official information, while avoiding speculation about circumstances they cannot verify.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed on February 2 that Raines’ official cause and manner of death are still pending. Until toxicology results and other examinations are completed, no final determination has been made public.

Even so, Danielle Williams said she believes investigators are leaning toward natural causes. That impression, she said, comes from her conversations and the absence of any indication of foul play so far.

Raines was best known for her tireless work providing food, care, and dignity to people living on Skid Row. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from supporters who followed her advocacy and personal mission.

For now, her family is waiting for answers. As the investigation continues, they are left balancing public interest with private mourning, hoping clarity will come with time.