702 singer Irish Grinstead has passed away at the age of 43.
On Saturday (Sept. 16), her sister and fellow 702 group member LeMisha Grinstead announced the devastating news on her Instagram. “It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening. She has had a long battle, and she is finally at peace,” LeMisha wrote, alongside a photo of young Irish.
She continued, “That girl was as bright as the stars! She was not only beautiful on the outside but also within. Sharing the stage with her was a joy I will cherish for the rest of my life! We, the family, ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family.”
On Sunday (Sept. 17), fellow group member Kameelah “Meelah” Williams also took to Instagram to reveal that she was heartbroken and devastated. "I struggled with this post because to me this isn’t real. There’s a lot I want to say, but there’s no way to say what your heart hasn’t fully accepted. It’s hard to acknowledge this is even happening. I know you’re feeling better now and hugging your twin, Orish, which makes me smile ’cause I know how much you missed her.”
She continued, “You and I have known each other since we were kids, and we’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and everything in between, which is why I just don’t want to believe this. You’ll always be my ‘IBG,’ and I still love you, my forever lil sis! Rest easy.” Comments for both LeMisha and Meelah’s posts have been filled with condolences from longtime supporters and notable artists like Missy Elliott, Tamar Braxton, and Da Brat, to name a few.
