Courtesy of bp.blogspot.com
Simone Battle, the twenty-five year old member of pop girl group G.R.L., was found dead in her Los Angeles home this weekend. According to TMZ, Battle’s father found the young singer hanging from the rod in her bedroom closet of the guesthouse of a larger L.A. home on Friday morning. Since the L.A. County and Coroner’s Office have not yet completed an autopsy report, no causes of death have been ruled out, however police and law enforcement officials state that her death appears to have been the result of suicide.
Battle rose to celebrity by competing on the U.S. version of the 2011 season of “The X Factor,” where she was finalist, making it into the top seventeen competitors. Although she did not win and was eliminated in the first live show of the competition, her talents secured her a membership in G.R.L., the revamped version of The Pussycat Dolls. Upon the announcement and confirmation of her death, G.R.L. founder Robin Antin, RCA Records, Reign Deer Entertainment and Kemosabe Records all released a joint statement, saying, “Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time.”
Others with strong connections to Simone Battle also offered their condolences on Saturday, including Cheryl Cole who, on the first few episodes of “The X Factor” one of which was Battle’s audition, served as a judge. “Such tragically sad news to hear of the passing of Simone Battle. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones,” she tweeted. Derek Butler, a longtime friend of Battle’s, shared his grief via Instagram, posting several pictures of his lost friend, and writing, “I’m still in shock and in disbelief to have confirmed the death of my childhood friend Simone Battle. Her heart was pure gold and her star power limitless.” It is indeed tragic to hear of the death of so young and talented and kind of a person. R.I.P. Simone Battle. Our thoughts are with you and your loved ones.