Update 3: Simone Battle’s death has officially been ruled a suicide by hanging, says the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.
Battle, best known for as a member of GRL and former “X Factor” contestant, was founding hanging from a rod in her closet Friday morning. She was 25 at the time of her passing.
Update 2: While no official cause of death has been released, a TMZ report suggests there might be truth to the rumor that GRL member Simone Battle committed suicide.
According to the gossip outlet, law enforcement officials say “Simone was found hanging on a rod in the closet of her bedroom around 8:30 AM on Friday.”
Late Friday and early Saturday, some of Battle’s friends, colleagues and fellow “X Factor” alumni began Tweeting their condolences. By mid-morning Saturday, official confirmation had emerged that the performer had died at 25.
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Update: First announced by friends and colleagues in the early morning hours, Simone Battle’s death has now been confirmed by official representatives for the performer and her G.R.L. counterparts.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L,” read a statement from RCA Records, Kemosabe Records, Reign Deer Entertainment and Robin Antin. “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.”
TMZ adds that Battle was found dead in her Los Angeles home. Because autopsy results are still pending, no cause of death has been formally announced.
Known for her stint on season one of FOX’s “The X Factor,” Battle had recently been performing as part of the five-piece girl group “GRL.” The group’s single “Ugly Heart” is currently the #34 song on the hot adult contemporary radio format.
Battle was 25 at the time of her passing.
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Simone Battle, best known as a member of GRL and for her stint on “The X Factor,” has reportedly passed away. She was 25.
“Hit the Floor” actress Taylour Paige and stylist Charlie Brianna were among the first to confirm the news.
“Know that one of the kindest, beautiful, INSANELY talented, hardworking, easygoing women I’ve ever encountered is no longer apart of this phase of life,” wrote Paige on Instagram. “Simone you’ll always be in my heart, you always have been. Thank you for sharing your love, light, and gifts with the world in the time you did. We love you. You’re in my prayers Battle family and friends. I’m sure she’ll be doing an episode of Fashion Police somewhere with Joan Rivers right now.”
“Rest in Peace @SimoneBattle,” added Brianna. “I have so many memories to cherish with you. Life is so precious, spread love.”
Drew Ryniewicz, who appeared alongside Battle on “The X Factor,” also commented on the matter.
“#simonebattle so sad to hear that this beautiful girl passed away today,” wrote Ryniewicz. “Simone was a star from the day I met her, always full of confidence and always so eager to succeed.”
“Just heard about the passing of @GRLSimone,” added fellow “X Factor” contestant and current “The Goldbergs” actress Hayley Orrantia. “I’m still in shock. Im remembering our time together on @TheXFactorUSA.
