Jonshel Alexander, who landed the supporting role of Joy Strong in the 2012 film Beasts of the Southern Wild, was fatally shot in New Orleans on Saturday (November 27).
According to reports, Alexander, 22, was sitting in the car with a man in New Orleans' 7th ward around 9 pm when they were both shot. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man, who has yet to be identified, drove himself to the hospital for treatment.
While no arrests have been made, a maroon pick-up truck that is believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle in the shooting, has been recovered.
Beasts director Benh Zeitlin commented on Alexander's death, calling the late actress and "absolute one-of-a-kind, unforgettable, force-of-nature human being." Zeitlin added, "She was a really bright burning light."
