Newport woman searching for answers after 16-year-old granddaughter takes her own life

Newport, RI – The guardian and grandmother of a local teen who died by suicide is looking for answers.

16-year-old Aaliyah Shanell Hightower of Newport, RI passed away in July of 2025.

According to an obituary, Aaliyah was kind, intelligent, creative, athletic, and driven.

“Aaliyah was a shining light, driven by her dream of becoming a neuroradiologist. Her academic pursuits were matched only by her athletic talents. She tried her hand at sailing, tennis, ballet, softball, basketball and cross country. An artist at heart, her drawings captured the essence of life around her, and her talent was a testament to her diligence and creativity. There was nothing Aaliyah couldn’t do. She loved traveling, volunteering at the Potter Shelter with the kittens, playing Fortnite and enjoying time with family.”

Cindy Hightower says that Aaliyah was the victim of relentless bullying, with one individual telling her repeatedly to end her life.

Hightower has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to hire a lawyer in hopes that she can obtain more information on the death of her granddaughter besides a heavily redacted report.

She told Fall River Reporter that she doesn’t have the financial means to hire a lawyer on her own and is determined to fight for the truth and for justice.

“Having a lawyer will help me access the reports and information the police won’t share, and will give me the support I need to stand up to the police department. I want to bring awareness to the bullying and mental health crisis that affects so many families, and to honor Aaliyah’s legacy by making sure her story is heard.”

We contacted Newport Police by email on Friday to get their side and have not yet heard back.