The death of pop singer and former "X-Factor" contestant Simone Battle has been ruled a suicide by hanging, just two days after the 25-year-old singer's passing, according to the Associated Press.
Lt. Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Department told the AP that Battle, who was a member of the female singing group G.R.L., was found dead in her West Hollywood home on Friday. TMZ reported the body was found by Battle's boyfriend.
Corral added that no further details are being released.
Battle's father Anthony Battle, told TMZ on Saturday that although it has been almost a month since he last talked to his daughter he is completely surprised by her actions, adding that they texted every day and he thought she was doing well.
The singer's father admitted that he struggled with depression and worried that his daughter might have developed the same sickness, saying, "It's possible she may have had an invisible disability."
"Words cannot express the depth of our loss," read a post on G.R.L.'s Twitter account on Saturday. "Simone's incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart. We will carry her memory with us in everything we do."
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.," Reign Deer Entertainment, the management firm led by Larry Rudolph, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records and RCA Records said in a joint statement, according to People Magazine. "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."
Antin took to Instagram to release a separate statement regarding Battle's death along and also posted a picture of the late singer.
"I'm so beyond devastated by the loss of our beautiful Simone," she wrote. "Simone I will miss your smile, Your adorable laugh, Your loving spirit that you brought to all of us, The joy that you felt when you were singing, dancing, performing, laughing, and goofing around with your GRLs, and most of all the beautiful friendship and bond that tied us all together, that will forever be in my heart."
Adding: "How lucky we are to have had You in our lives Simone, you inspired us all, and touched fans all around the world with your sweet sweet voice and talent.... We will NEVER forget... I Love you sweet Simone Rest in Peace...@grlFollow."
Pitbull, who worked with G.R.L. on the single "Wild Wild Love", also paid tribute on Twitter, writing, "My heart and prayers go out to @GRLSimone: @grl and her family. RIP Dios la bendiga."
Nicole Scherzinger, who was a judge when Battle competed on the show, wrote, "Devastated & upset to hear about the passing of @GRLSimone.My prayers go out to her family @robinantinpcd @GRL & my ReignDeer family."
