Singer Lauren Bennett, a founding member of the girl group G.R.L., has died at the age of 36. Her death on May 29 in Kent, England, follows the 2014 suicide of bandmate Simone Battle, who died at 25.
Bennett is known for her collaboration with LMFAO on their 2011 hit "Party Rock Anthem." G.R.L., formed by choreographer Robin Antin as a reboot of the Pussycat Dolls, also featured Battle, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, and Paula van Oppen. The group released their debut song "Vacation" for "The Smurfs 2" soundtrack and collaborated with Pitbull on "Wild Wild Love." Their biggest hit was "Ugly Heart," which reached number 2 on the Australian charts.
The band was preparing to release their debut album in 2014, working with producers Max Martin and Dr. Luke, but their project was cut short by Battle's death in September of that year. At the time of her death, Battle was reportedly struggling with depression over financial issues and concerns about her career prospects, despite the group's growing success.
Following Battle's death, G.R.L. officially disbanded in 2015. They later released a single titled "Lighthouse" in her memory. Bennett and Slayton briefly reformed the group in 2016 with a new member, Jazzy Mejia, releasing the track "Are We Good?" before disbanding again. The group reunited with Estrada and van Oppen in subsequent years, but the original lineup never released a full studio album. Their only release as a group was a five-track self-titled EP in 2014.
Bennett's ex-bandmates confirmed her death in a statement on Monday, saying, "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren. Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved. Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLS, Em, Tash, and P."
Bennett is survived by her six-year-old daughter, Harlow, with dancer Kenny Wormald. A private memorial service was held for Bennett in London, attended by her former bandmates. A formal inquest into her death has been scheduled for October 30.