Rysheema Dixon Cause of Death: A Mystery That Shocks the City

Who was Rysheema Dixon?

Rysheema Dixon was a former Wilmington City Council member, activist, entrepreneur, and professor who dedicated her life to helping others. She was the first Black woman and the youngest candidate to win one of the city’s four at-large council seats in 2016. She won re-election in 2020, but resigned from office in 2021 to focus on her business and nonprofit endeavors. She was the founder and CEO of RDI Solutions, a community strategy organization that ran the Wilmington Play Streets program and worked with local nonprofits. She was also the executive director of Delaware Pathways to Apprenticeship, a nonprofit that helped low-income individuals and justice-involved citizens gain skills and connections to secure apprenticeships. She was passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering entrepreneurship, addressing disparities, and introducing consent-focused lessons in schools. She was widely respected and admired by her colleagues, friends, and community members.

How did Rysheema Dixon die?

Rysheema Dixon died unexpectedly on Friday, September 16, 2022, at the age of 35. The cause of her death has not been disclosed by her family or spokesperson. Her passing was announced by Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki’s office, who ordered the city flag to fly at half-staff in her honor. According to Delaware Online¹, a spokesperson wrote that Dixon’s death was unexpected and did not give a cause. According to Delaware Business Times², where, when, and how Dixon died are not immediately known.

What are the reactions to Rysheema Dixon’s death?

Rysheema Dixon’s death has shocked and saddened many people who knew her personally or professionally. Many have expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and other platforms. Some of the prominent figures who have issued statements include:

• Mayor Mike Purzycki: “Rysheema always charted her own course. She was a concerned and informed resident who became active in various causes and eventually began to provide leadership and guidance to others. All of this, and she was just in the third decade of her life. Her loss will be felt by many.”
• U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester: “A professor, entrepreneur, and public servant, Councilwoman Dixon dedicated the better part of her life to helping others. Those lucky enough to work with her in any capacity saw first-hand her commitment, passion, and love for her community and its people.”
• U.S. Sen. Chris Coons: “Rysheema was passionate about lifting up the people of this city, from fostering other entrepreneurs to introducing consent-focused lessons in our schools.”
• Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman: “It seemed like (Dixon’s) energy had no bounds and her ideas had no limitations to them. She just really embodied the fact that in order to do better, we just really just needed to look at our neighbors and work with them and help them realize how they can be part of solutions and give them the tools to become part of solutions.”
• Delaware Legislative Black Caucus: “Her passing is a tremendous loss to the community she represented and served throughout her life.”

What is Rysheema Dixon’s legacy?

Rysheema Dixon’s legacy will live on through the countless people whose lives she touched and inspired by her work and vision. She will be remembered as a trailblazer, a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a role model for many young people, especially women of color. She will also be remembered for her contributions to the city of Wilmington, especially through the Play Streets program, which created safe and fun spaces for children and families to play and connect in their neighborhoods. Her company, RDI Solutions, celebrated its 11th anniversary just hours before her passing, showing her dedication and perseverance in pursuing her goals.

Rysheema Dixon’s cause of death may remain a mystery for now, but her impact and influence will not be forgotten. She was a bright star that shone for a short time but left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her or heard of her. She was a force for good that made a difference in the world. She was Rysheema Dixon.