Kurupt

Following the sad death of Natina Reed  - known by fans of late 1990s R&B fans as the MC of group Blaque - her former boyfriend Kurupt gave a glowing tribute to someone who was an integral part of his life.

Reed was recently struck by a car whilst crossing a street, causing her to die just two days short of her 33^rd birthday. In a statement to MTV, Kurupt commented  "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." The pair were never married, but were engaged for some time in the early 2000s as well as having Tren together, their 10 year-old son.

Reed’s death is an especially poignant one given that her mentor, TLC star Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, also died in tragic circumstances in 2002 aged just 30. Blaque enjoyed considerable chart success during their prime, with hits like ‘808’ and ‘Bring It All To Me’ making them household names. A police spokesperson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that “as of right now, it does not appear that the driver has any fault in this event,” regarding the incident that led to Reed’s death.

Tragically Natina Reed, from American R&B group 'Blaque', has been killed in a motor accident. Today would have been her 33rd birthday.

Reed was walking along a public highway in a suburb of Georgia, Atlanta on Friday (26th Oct 2012), when she was struck by a moving vehicle at around 10:30pm. The driver called 911 immediately, but nothing could be done to save her life and she was pronounced dead later in the evening at a local medical centre. Police have confirmed that the driver was not at fault and no charges will be made against him. However, it is still unclear as to why Reed was in the road.

Reed also appeared in the 2000 movie 'Bring It On' along with her fellow bandmates, Brandi Williams and Shamara Fears-DeVoe, who all played cheerleaders rivalling the film's protagonist. Williams and DeVoe have expressed their profound sadness at the loss of their friend. "Natina continuously embodied the pioneering spirit of Blaque and her undeniable creativity touched the hearts of fans everywhere," they said in a statement, reported by the BBC, "Natina was a mother, sister, accomplished songwriter, artist and friend. She will forever be missed and her global influence eternally felt." Reuters reports that the band had recently got back together and were working on a new album. DeVoe also tweeted about her loss. "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." She is survived by her 10 year old son, fathered by rapper Kurupt.