Good Morning Kelli, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

This shrub is a Japanese yew. Here is a link to a website about caring for the Japanese yew: 

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/taxus-cuspidata/

This could be root rot. Here is a link: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/rot/phytophthora-root-rot-of-conifers

From the photo, it appears the plant is near a sidewalk. Is it possible that the damage is caused by icing salt from the sidewalk? If it is poorly drained soil, it could be root rot. 

Here is another link with potential problems listed: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c237

Here is another link about the potenial problems with yews: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/yew-problems

You might inspect the plant carefully to see if any of these issues apply. 

Good Luck!