Natina Reed, a member of the R&B group Blaque, has died in a car accident near Atlanta. She was only 32. She would have been 33 on Sunday.
According to reports, the police answered a call by a driver who called for assistance after the accident. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but Reed was pronounced dead less than half an hour later. A press release was issued by the Gwinnett Police Department, where the accident occurred, which is just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
“The driver of the vehicle contacted 911 to request assistance,” the press release states. “Natina Reed was pronounced dead at Gwinnett Medical Center at 10:59 p.m. E.S.T. Preliminary information indicates that Reed was in the roadway on Lawrenceville Highway near Hamilton Road when struck,” the release continues. Though the investigation is ongoing, the release states that the driver “was determined to be not at fault and there are no charges pending.”
The other two members of the trio Blaque, Brandi Williams and Shamari Fears-DeVoe issued a statement together:
“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.”
Although Reed was known as the rapper in Blaque (and the protege of Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes), she was an actress as well, appearing in Bring It On alongside Gabrielle Union and Kirsten Dunst. She was discovered by Left Eye of TLC, who developed a band around her, which was structured similarly to her group. Lopes herself died ten years ago from a car accident in 2002.
She is survived by a ten-year old son.
Our condolences go out to her family at this time.
