Shonka Dukureh, a Nashville actress & musician who portrayed singer Big Mama Thornton in the recent "Elvis" film, has died.
The officials said "Dukureh was found dead in her Nashville apartment where she lived with her two young children".
The Metro Nashville Police Department said in a statement that no foul play is “evident” in her death.
Police said that just before 9:30 a.m., the 44-year-old Dukureh was found unresponsive in a bedroom by one of her children.
One of her children ran to a neighbor's apartment for help after finding her unresponsive, police said.
After that the neighbor called police at 9:27 A.M., according to the officials. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of her death, police said.
No further details were released from the Nashville Police Department regarding Dukureh's death.
Mayor of Nashville, John Cooper shared his condolences saying: “Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day.”
"Elvis" director Baz Luhrmann also paid tribute to Dukureh on Instagram.
Baz wrote, “A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh,”.