(WWJ) Kim Gibbs, the Royal Oak city commissioner arrested for shoplifting a few months ago, has been found dead, the city announced.
Cause and circumstances surrounding her death are not yet known.
Gibbs, a lawyer, made headlines in May when she was arrested for shoplifting an assortment of items at a local Meijer. She was ticketed in the incident.
Prior to that, she was the focus of media attention for attending an anti-coronavirus lockdown protest in Lansing without a mask or social distancing. The city asked her at the time to "strongly consider" leaving the commission. She refused, saying she had broken no laws.
Her stance was divisive, with plenty of people applauding it while others urged her to leave government.
Outside of her media persona, Gibbs was also a kind human being with a big heart, friends said.
"Kim was a member of Unity of Royal Oak and one of our Prayer Partners," Unity Church of Royal Oak wrote on Facebook. "She had a huge heart and was deeply passionate about Royal Oak. Our love, condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her family. Rev. Ric Beattie, for our community."
