Actor Morgan Freeman is mourning the death of his step-granddaughter E’Dena Hines who was fatally stabbed in New York on early Sunday morning. The 33 year old aspiring actress was found by police lying on the street after being stabbed in the chest outside her Manhattan apartment. A 30 year old man is said now to be in police custody over the incident and charged with second-degree murder.

Morgan FreemanMorgan Freeman is mourning the death of granddaughter E’Dena Hines.

In a statement 78 year old Freeman said, ‘The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer. Her friends and family were fortunate enough to have known what she meant as a person.’

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‘Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace,’ Freeman added. The actor also later took to Facebook to thank fans for their support since news of the tragedy broke.

‘I want to acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of love and support my family has received regarding the tragic and senseless passing of my granddaughter Edena Hines. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,’ Freeman said in a post on his official Facebook page.

Hines was an aspiring actress who had just filmed a role in independent movie Landing Up. Last year she appeared as a receptionist opposite her grandfather in film 5 Flights Up and she has also starred in TV series, ‘A Minority Report’.

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In a recent blog post the 33 year old had expressed her happiness over her recent career developments. “My dream has come true and it’s just beginning,” Hines wrote in a post dated July 7. “Life can make you want to give up or walk away, sometimes it gives you the strength to appreciate when you do get your happy ending.”