Natina Reed, rapper, singer and member of girl group Blaque, died from a car accident on Friday, Oct. 26, near Atlanta. She was struck by a vehicle while crossing a road.
Reed was 32. Reed, born Oct. 28, 1979, in New York City, joined the group Blaque in the late 1990s and was a protege of late rapper and TLC group member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, who also perished in a car accident, 10 years ago.
Blaque group member Brandi Williams expressed her grief on Twitter, saying, “Last night the world was changed forever, life will never be the same … she was my sister.”
Fellow group member Shamari Fears-DeVoe tweeted, “My world as I know it has forever changed. Until we meet again, may you find comfort in the arms of an angel. I love you, Natina.”
Reed, who contributed to Blaque hits such as “808” and “Give It All to Me,” explored the world of acting along with her group members and co-starred alongside actress Gabrielle Union in the 2000 cheerleading cult classic “Bring It On.” Union also took to Twitter writing, “#RIP #Sad #BringItOn.”
Police say the driver of the vehicle does not seem to be at fault, but they are still investigating the accident.
Reed leaves behind a 10-year-old son, Tren. His father, rapper Kurupt, said, “Myself and Tren, Natina’s son, would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this tragic time. This is a tremendous loss to our family. Natina was a great person and I wish everyone had the opportunity to meet her and know her as I did.”
Reed died two days short of what would have been her 33rd birthday.