The girl group G.R.L. is mourning one of their own.
On Monday, July 5, singers Paula van Oppen, Emmalyn Estrada and Natasha Slayton announced the passing of their former bandmate Lauren Bennett, who was 37 years old.
No details have yet been released on a possible cause of death, or where the late singer passed away, though it appears she may have passed away last month.
In a statement on Instagram, Paula, Emmalyn and Natasha, who founded G.R.L. in 2012 with Lauren as well as the late Simone Battle, who passed away at 25 in 2014, wrote: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren.”
“Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us,” the statement continued. “Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
“Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts,” the women added, signed: “Your GRLs, Em, Tash, and P.”
© Getty ImagesFans were then quick to take to the comments section under the post and pay their respects, with one writing: “As much as this hurts for the fans, I can’t even imagine the pain being felt by you girls and her family.”
Others allowed suit with: “Utterly shocked to hear this,” and: “I am beyond stunned. This is actually unbelievable,” as well as: “I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. She was magnificent. Beautiful, talented and so incredibly sweet. May she rest in peace.”
Lauren was born Lauren Diane Bennett on June 24, 1989 in Meopham, Kent, England and was only 18 years old when she began her music career, creating the girl group Paradiso Girls with six other women, all from different countries. Once the group disbanded in 2010, she collaborated with a slew of 2010s pop music icons such as will.i.am, CeeLo Green, and was most notably featured on LMFAO’s 2011 hit “Party Rock Anthem.”
Though Lauren’s death was only confirmed by her former bandmates and widely reported July 6, former Paradiso Girls bandmate Aria Crescendo insinuated she had passed in a June 23 Instagram post commemorating what would have been her 37th birthday. “My sister for ever today is [your] birthday and I wish you wore here so we can celebrate …. We [met] more [than] 20 years ago you [were] 16, we grew up together and we made amazing souvenirs like this song we did with @iamwill in the studio. We had so much fun over the years, so many stories and jokes that only you and me know about [sic]. LOVE YOU FOR EVER,” she wrote.
© Getty ImagesIn a new post July 6, she also wrote: “RIP Lauren my sister my best friend I can’t believe you left us. We spoke a week before it all happened and I could not imagine that would be the last time I would be able to talk to you.”
Lauren was a mom to daughter Harlow, six, who she welcomed with American dancer and actor Kenny Wormald.
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