Rasheeda Williams has died at the age of 35 after she was shot in Atlanta.
The transgender star, known as Koko Da Doll, recently appeared in the documentary Kokomo City, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January.
Kokomo City explored the threat of violence for Black trans sex workers, and the issues that they come across.
It was highly celebrated at Sundance, earning the Adobe NEXT Innovator Award, as well as the audience trophy.
Police are currently investigating the incident after they were called to the scene on Tuesday night, April 18.
In a statement offered to Deadline, they said: “Upon arrival, officers located a female victim with an apparent gunshot wound. She was not alert, conscious or breathing and pronounced deceased on scene by AFR [Atlanta Fire Rescue Department].
“Homicide investigators responded to the scene and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation continues.”
- Smith, who directed the acclaimed documentary, was among those paying tribute, and told the outlet: “On Tuesday night, Rasheeda Williams was shot and killed in Atlanta. Rasheeda, aka Koko Da Doll, was the latest victim of violence against Black transgender women.
“I created Kokomo City because I wanted to show the fun, humanized, natural side of Black trans women. I wanted to create images that didn’t show the trauma or the statistics of murder of Transgender lives. I wanted to create something fresh and inspiring. I did that. We did that!
“But here we are again. It’s extremely difficult to process Koko’s passing, but as a team we are more encouraged now than ever to inspire the world with her story. To show how beautiful and full of life she was. She will inspire generations to come and will never be forgotten.”
Co-star Daniella Carter mourned her on Instagram, writing: “Never thought I’d lose you, but here I am standing alone without you by my side we’re sisters for life we promised,’ Daniella penned. ‘But now you you’re gone I don’t know what to do without you I’m going crazy.
“I’m trying to hold on to keep strong but it just doesn’t feel right I’m waiting here my arms wide open, tears running down my face, Ready for you to return even if it takes forever my sister. I will truly miss you sis [sic].”
Dominique Silver, who was also part of the documentary, added: “My sister you are gone but you will NEVER be forgotten. I am struggling right now to grasp the fact that we just spoke and now you aren’t here by my side!
“WE WILL GET JUSTICE FOR YOU AND PLEASE PROTECT BLACK TRANS WOMEN AT ALL COST! This s**t is getting RIDICULOUS.
“Rest in Power my beautiful sister… until we meet again. My condolences to her family also at this time of loss.”
The official Sundance Twitter account added: “We are saddened to hear about the death of Rasheeda Williams aka Koko Da Doll.
“We were honored to have her at the Festival this year with KOKOMO CITY, where she reminded Black trans women, ‘we can do anything, we can be whatever we want to be.’ It is a tragic loss.”
