Simone Battle Death

Robin Antin, the founder of the Pussycat Dolls, was looking to create a brand new group that could be just as successful as its predecessor. Using the same formula of beautiful women, skimpy outfits, and girl power-esque songs, she created the pop group G.R.L. Its members, Emmalyn Estrada, Paula van Oppen, Lauren Bennett, Natasha Slayton, and Simone Battle began recording songs in 2013, and received the most attention when they were featured on the Pitbull track "Wild Wild Love." As their stars were just beginning to shine, tragedy struck after it was announced that Battle was found hanging from a clothing rod in the closet of her West Hollywood home on Sept. 5, 2014. Her record label released a touching statement which read, "Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time." Her death was later ruled a suicide, according to People magazine. Following her passing, her friends and family members told investigators that Battle was suffering from depression after struggling with money issues, according to TMZ. This left her loved ones baffled, especially since Battle had just returned from a successful overseas tour. But her friends claimed the singer was afraid the group would never have a successful hit in the U.S. Her family, friends, and band mates were left with so many questions that may never be answered. G.R.L. attempted to continue performing after her death, but they eventually disbanded nine months after Battle passed away.