What Happened to Morgan Freeman’s Granddaughter, Who Suddenly Died at 33?

At just 33 years old, Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter, E’Dena Hines, passed away suddenly. Her sudden and brutal death was a shock and many people felt deeply for her loss.

Known for her budding career, Hines was starting to make a name for herself in acting, much like her well-known grandfather. This made her untimely demise all the more heartbreaking.

Freeman, known for his iconic voice and extensive filmography, has always been discreet about his personal life. Despite his fame, he rarely discusses family publicly, choosing to keep his private life away from the limelight.

However, Freeman’s views on fatherhood and family reveal a complex relationship with his role as a parent and grandparent. Freeman who turns 87 in a few days is a father of four, a grandfather and great-grandfather to many.

The “Last Knights” actor once reflected on his journey as a father. During the conversation, he acknowledged that his focus on his career initially took precedence over his responsibilities at home.

“I’m not sure fatherhood changed me,” he said. “You have to be married to be a father. I sired a couple of kids without being married, but that doesn’t make you a father. It took a while for me to become a father. I was busy trying to be an actor, and the two didn’t really go together in my youth.”

Now, as a great-grandfather with over 10 grandchildren, Freeman embraces his role in the family, albeit not in a hands-on manner. “I haven’t changed diapers. But when I had daughters, I changed theirs. Being hands-on makes a difference in your child’s life,” he noted.

One of his grandchildren, E’Dena Hines, was not just known as the granddaughter of the Hollywood legend. She was an actor in her own right. Born into a family with a strong presence in the entertainment industry, Hines followed in her renowned grandfather’s footsteps.

Hines appeared in several films, including 2009’s “The Code,” 2014’s “5 Flights Up,” and 2013’s “A Minority Report.” However, amid her promising career, Hines’ life was cut short in a manner that shocked and saddened many.

At 33, she had made notable strides in her profession and had the potential for much more. Her death not only marked the loss of a young, vibrant actress but also left a void in the lives of those who knew her personally, including her famous grandfather, Freeman.

On August 16, 2015, a terrible event occurred in Washington Heights, New York, when Hines’ boyfriend Lamar Davenport violently attacked her.

Witnesses were horrified as Davenport, armed with a knife, shouted about religious figures and demons while stabbing Hines. One witness reported that Hines’ heartbreaking last words were, “Why are you doing this?” When police arrived, Hines was fatally wounded, and Davenport seemed to be in prayer.

The relationship between Hines and Davenport was known to be unstable, often involving substance abuse. They both had taken PCP that night, which became a focal point in Davenport’s trial. The prosecution argued that Davenport was conscious of his actions and should be held accountable for murder.

In contrast, the defense claimed that the PCP-induced psychosis meant he could not form the intent to commit the crime, describing his mental state as a shift from clear thinking to madness. This heartbreaking incident ended with the loss of Hines, a young woman with much potential.

Following the tragic death of Hines, legal proceedings against Davenport began, capturing significant public attention. The prosecution presented a strong case, emphasizing that despite Davenport’s drug use, he retained enough awareness to be held accountable for murder.

They highlighted his violent history, including a previous incident where he attempted to “fight a car,” as evidence of his dangerous behavior. The defense, however, painted a different picture. They argued that Davenport’s actions were a result of severe PCP-induced psychosis, rendering him detached from reality.

His lawyer claimed that Davenport had no intention to kill Hines, as his mind was “completely uncoupled from the real world” during the incident.

Despite these arguments, Davenport was ultimately convicted of first-degree manslaughter in May 2018 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. This sentence brought a measure of justice to Hines’ grieving family and friends, though it could never truly compensate for the loss of her life.

Freeman, a man known for his reserved nature, publicly expressed his deep sorrow following the death of his granddaughter. In a heartfelt statement, Freeman lamented, “The world will never know her artistry and talent.”

Despite Hines being his step-granddaughter, Freeman always referred to her as his granddaughter, reflecting their close bond. He also took to social media to acknowledge the overwhelming support his family received during this difficult time.

On Facebook, he posted, “I want to acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of love and support my family has received regarding the tragic and senseless passing of my granddaughter E’Dena Hines. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

This public acknowledgment highlighted the profound impact of Hines’ death on Freeman and his family, and the immense support they received from friends, fans, and the community.

In the months following Hines’ death, a legal battle ensued over her estate. Freeman, acting as a surrogate father throughout her life, stepped in to prevent her estranged father from inheriting her assets. Hines’ estate included an East 37th Street apartment worth $781,000, a gift from Freeman intended to support her future.

Freeman filed a court affidavit detailing his significant role in Hines’ upbringing and financial support. He emphasized that Hines’ father, Edward Lee Hines, had been absent from her life since she was three years old.

Freeman stated, “In fact, from the time that E’Dena was approximately three and a half years old and until the Thanksgiving before her death, E’Dena met with Edward Lee Hines only one or two times.”

The actor argued that Hines’ father made no efforts to maintain a relationship or provide for her, and thus, should not inherit her property. Freeman’s affidavit also highlighted his deep emotional and financial investment in Hines’ life.

He asserted that he and his daughter, Hines’ mother, were the primary sources of support for Hines, both emotionally and financially. Freeman’s efforts to secure Hines’ inheritance reflected his commitment to protecting her legacy. He fought to ensure that her estate would benefit those who had genuinely cared for and supported her.

Hines finished her last movie, “Landing Up,” just before she passed away. The film’s story is about two homeless women and came out with its first trailer in 2017.

Hines showcased her talent playing Cece, a clever woman without a home who, with her friend Chrissie, finds ways to get food and a place to stay. They both hope to get their own place and have a good life.

Stacey Maltin, the writer and producer of the film, talked about the last time she saw Hines. She visited the studio two days before her death, wanting to see the movie, but it wasn’t ready. Maltin promised to show her the movie soon.

Sadly, Hines was killed two days later. Maltin regrets not being able to show Hines her performance, which she was proud of, even though it wouldn’t have changed the tragic outcome.

Hines’ sudden death deeply affected her family, especially her grandfather, Freeman. Hines was a bright and promising young woman whose life ended too soon because of violence.

Her death highlighted her own challenges and her family’s strong connection. It also showed how much Freeman cared for her, as he worked hard to honor her memory and secure what she left behind.

Freeman’s response to the tragedy showed his deep love for Hines. He has always tried to be there for his family, even with his busy acting career. By learning about Hines’ life and sad death, we see a side of Morgan Freeman that he usually keeps private. He is a caring man who values his family, especially in tough times.