Natina Reed, a member of the 90’s R&B girl group Blaque, has passed away. According to confirmed reports, she was killed Friday night in Atlanta after being struck by a car as she walked along a Georgia state highway.
Contrary to early reports that Reed’s death was the result of a hit-and-run accident, police have confirmed that the driver of the vehilcle stopped and called 911 at 10:30 PM while a passenger in the car performed CPR on Reed. She was pronounced dead at 10:59 PM upon arrival at Gwinnett Medical Center in Duluth, GA.
It’s unclear why Reed was walking across the busy highway, but authorities say the driver was not at fault and won’t be charged.
Reed rose to fame as part of the girl group Blaque in 1999 after the release of their debut single, “808.″ She was the protege of the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes from TLC who signed the group to her production company, Left Eye Productions. Reed also made her silver screen debut in the film Bring It On alongside Gabrielle Union in 2000.
Union sent her condolences on Twitter writing, “#RIP #Sad #BringItOn.”
Surviving members of Blaque, Brandi Williams and Shamari Fears-DeVoe, released the following statement on Saturday.
“We are devastated by the loss of our group member, sister and friend Natina Reed. Because of the enormous support of Blaque fans and our love for each another, Blaque officially reunited this fall and we were in the process of working on a new album and a reality show. Natina continuously embodied the pioneering spirit of Blaque and her undeniable creativity touched the hearts of fans everywhere. Natina was a mother, sister, accomplished songwriter, artist and friend. We ask for your prayers at this time for Natina’s family. She will forever be missed and her global influence eternally felt. We thank God for the experiences we shared.”
Reed was two days shy of her 33rd birthday at the time of her death. She leaves behind a 10-year-old son, Tren Brown, whose father is rapper Kurupt.