Tragedy in Pineville: Beloved Mother of Five, Danielle Mitchell, Dies Just One Day After Sharing Emotional Photos With Her Children
PINEVILLE, SC — The small community of Pineville, South Carolina, is grappling with grief and unanswered questions after the sudden death of Danielle Mitchell, a devoted mother of five, beloved local entrepreneur, and skilled hair braider whose influence reached far beyond the walls of her business, DanniStyles Braiding Studio.
Mitchell, known for her vibrant energy and fierce love for her children, passed away on Thursday, April 24. Her death came just one day after she shared a series of poignant, emotional photos on social media, featuring her five children. In each image, her radiant smile stood in contrast to the weight of her captions—messages that many now interpret as a potential farewell.
The timing of her passing, coupled with the emotional nature of the photos and captions, has sparked widespread speculation on social media. Some have suggested that her death may have been the result of self-harm. However, her family has firmly stated that Danielle died of natural causes and is asking for privacy and respect as they grieve.
“She was a light,” a family member shared. “Danielle loved her children more than anything in the world. Her last actions weren’t meant to alarm—they were meant to honor what she held dearest: her family.”
Mitchell had reportedly rushed to get the photo session finalized, requesting the edited pictures from the studio by Wednesday. The urgency with which she sought to complete the photos now feels haunting in retrospect. The images, accompanied by heartfelt captions speaking directly to each of her children, have been widely shared, prompting an outpouring of emotion from friends, family, clients, and strangers alike.
An Entrepreneur With Heart and Hustle
Danielle Mitchell wasn’t just a mother—she was an artist, a businesswoman, and a mentor. As the founder of DanniStyles Braiding Studio, she built a reputation across the region for her intricate and creative hair designs. Clients regularly spoke of her warmth, her listening ear, and the confidence she helped instill in others.
“Getting your hair done by Danielle wasn’t just about the braids,” said longtime client and friend Shavon Rivers. “It was therapy. It was laughter. It was sisterhood. She lifted people.”
She balanced the demands of single motherhood with entrepreneurship, often sharing her journey on social media in candid, motivational posts. She was vocal about the challenges she faced and the joy she found in raising her children.
Remembering Danielle
Mitchell’s death has sent waves through the Pineville community and beyond. Vigils are already being planned, and a memorial fund is reportedly in the works to support her children in the wake of their unimaginable loss.
Local leaders, former clients, and friends have taken to social media to honor her legacy.
“She made beauty out of struggle,” one post read. “And gave love without condition.”
Her story is a stark reminder of how closely joy and sorrow can sit side by side—and how often, the strongest among us are those who carry the heaviest loads in silence.
A Family Asking for Peace
As the speculation online continues, Mitchell’s family is urging the public to remember her for how she lived, not for the circumstances surrounding her death. In a statement, a relative asked for “grace, dignity, and time to heal,” and emphasized that Danielle had a known medical condition that could have contributed to her sudden passing.
“She did what many of us dream of doing,” the statement continued. “She built a life on her terms. She gave her children love in abundance. Her life mattered, and her story doesn’t end with tragedy—it ends with legacy.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Danielle Mitchell leaves behind five children, countless inspired clients, and a community forever changed by her artistry, authenticity, and unwavering love.