Okay, this is weird. I just started a new character (a sword/board Imperial). I came to Whiterun for the first time, did some business with Adriane, and went to catch a few winks at the inn. I get up the next morning and I'm told she's dead! Sure enough, I went to the smithy and her body's laying there! I have no idea how this happened, and this is first time this has happened. Has this happened to anybody else?

Who told you she was dead?

The Warmaiden's guy. And I saw her dead body for myself (raided it too, lol.)

Oh. nope never happened to me. maybe a Thief tried to rob the store and she got into a fight with him and while 50 guards we're attacking him she got killed?
btw that is a random encounter i'm not just making [censored] up

I just wonder where Warmaiden's gonna get their goods now. She made it all herself.

Bummer...however, the bright side is that the bereaving husband will still sell you goods and will buy booty off you...you just miss out on the ability to sell your cast offs and loot to both of them.

At least you don't have to listent to her inane ramblings about Dad....