G.R.L. singer Simone Battle has died at the age of 25, Us Weekly can confirm. The cause of death has yet to be revealed.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.," her management firm Reign Deer Entertainment tell Us in a statement. "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."
Battle appeared on the U.S. version of The X Factor in 2011 and was mentored by Simon Cowell. She was eliminated after the first week. After releasing the single "He Likes Boys" that October, she joined G.R.L. The female pop group was created by Antin, the founder of the Pussycat Dolls.
Members of the group — Emmalyn Estrada, Lauren Bennett, Paula Van Oppen and Natasha Slayton — have commented about their loss on the official G.R.L. Twitter account. "Words cannot express the depth of our loss. Simone's incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart," they wrote. "We will carry her memory with us in everything we do."
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