Renee Nicole Good

Renee Nicole Good, a cherished mother, writer, and poet, passed away tragically on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was 37 years old. Originally from Colorado, Renee had made a home in the Twin Cities, where she lived with her partner and young child. She is remembered by her family and neighbors as a deeply compassionate soul who dedicated her life to caring for others.

A talented writer with a distinct voice, Renee studied creative writing at Old Dominion University, where she was awarded the undergraduate College Poetry Prize in 2020 for her work. She described herself as a poet and a "hobby guitar strummer," finding joy in the arts and in the quiet moments of life. Her gentle spirit and warmth were evident to all who knew her, from her neighbors in South Minneapolis to the academic community she was a part of.

Renee's life was defined by her devotion to her family, particularly her six-year-old son. She was the widow of Timmy Ray Macklin Jr., who passed away in 2023, and she faced life's challenges with resilience and grace. Her mother described her as "one of the kindest people" she had ever known—a woman who was loving, forgiving, and affectionate.

Her sudden and public death during a confrontation with federal agents has sparked widespread mourning and community vigils across Minneapolis and beyond. While the circumstances of her passing have become a subject of national attention, those closest to her choose to remember the "amazing human being" she was in life. She leaves behind her son, her mother Donna, her partner, and a community heartbroken by her loss.