Lauren Bennett, a British singer-songwriter who rose to prominence as a member of the pop group G.R.L. and was a featured artist on LMFAO's 2011 smash "Party Rock Anthem," has died at age 37.
The statement was signed by surviving members Em, Tash, and P. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Crescendo, who said the two had known each other for more than 20 years—meeting when Bennett was just 16—reflected on a bond that stretched well beyond their shared time as bandmates. "We grew up together and we made amazing souvenirs like this song we did with will.i.am in the studio," Crescendo wrote. "We had so much fun over the years so many stories and jokes that only you and me know about it. LOVE YOU FOR EVER," she added.
The news came as a major shock to many fans who said they were in disbelief in the comments on G.R.L.'s Instagram post.
"Wait i am beyond stunned. how did she pass, this is actually unbelievable?" one user wrote. Another fan commented: "This is devastating. So much talent and heart, kindness and humility all in one goddess.”
Bennett began her career at 18 with the Paradiso Girls, who released the single "Patron Tequila" in 2009 before disbanding. She went on to collaborate with will.i.am on a remix of "I Got It from My Mama" before joining G.R.L., whose self-titled 2014 EP featured the hit single "Ugly Heart," and a collaboration with Pitbull on "Wild Wild Love.” The group disbanded later that year following the death of member Simone Battle at 25.
Bennett later joined G.R.L., and the group released their self-titled debut EP in 2014. The project featured the single "Ugly Heart," which became the group's highest-performing release, as well as a collaboration with Pitbull on "Wild Wild Love.”
The group's run was cut short that same year when member Simone Battle died at age 25, prompting G.R.L. to disband. Bennett's death marks a second profound loss for the group's remaining members, who in their statement described her as someone whose "beautiful spirit touched so many lives.”