(Trinidad Express) – The theatre fraternity was thrown into shock on Sunday with the unexpected death of comedienne Mairoon Ali.

Ali, 55, celebrated her 20th year as a professional actress in Trinidad and Tobago this year.

With several Cacique Awards to her name, her career highlights included roles in Run For Your Wife, Clear Water, Independence Day for which she won a Cacique Award in 2002 for Most Outstanding Actress, and the popular local soap opera “Westwood Park”.

Ali’s husband, Edward Yearwood, and son, soca artiste Olantunji Yearwood, were too distraught to speak to the Express. However, her stepson, Roland Yearwood, confirmed reports that she was found lying on the bathroom floor on Sunday morning.

“Ola found her this morning around 10.30 and at this point we are not really sure what is the cause of death,” he said.

“She was found in the bathroom. From all observances, yes it seems that she fell and hit her head. We don’t know what would have caused her to fall.”

News of Ali’s death quickly spread through the local entertainment industry and many of her close friends and colleagues visited the family’s home at 11 Carlton Street in St James to pay their respects.

They included singer Mavis John, producer/actor Raymond Choo Kong, comedian Errol Fabien, actress Penelope Spencer and comedienne/talk show host Nikki Crosby.

“Her love was theatre and she loved teaching too … so many kids passed through her,” a sobbing Crosby said.

“She was our sister and our family, not just a friend. We had so many dreams and plans. She was also writing her poetry book, Mairoon’s Mind. That is what she was working on. She had so much to give to us.”

It was only last Sunday that Ali was robbed at a Pricesmart outlet, according to Crosby.

‘I remember her calling me and crying and I telling her that life is so precious and at least they didn’t kill you for your wallet or anything like that. We talked a lot about life this week because she was so angry that she had to go and get everything renewed and I kept saying, girl, this is what life is. At least they didn’t stab you and kill you for your wallet.’

Ali spent Saturday night celebrating Spencer’s birthday at Drink! wine bar in Woodbrook, according to Crosby.