Natina Reed Dead: Blaque Songstress and 'Bring it On' Star Hit by Car and Killed in Atlanta at 32
Reports confirm that songstress Natina Reed, popular member of the 1990s R&B all-girl group Blaque and star in the hit cheerleading film "Bring it On," was killed after being hit by a car on Friday, Oct. 26. She was just 32-years-old. Reed, the protégé of late TLC songstress Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez, would have celebrated her 33rd birthday on Sunday (Oct. 28).
According to the Gwinnett Police Department, Reed was suddenly struck by a car while crossing the street in Atlanta, GA on Friday evening. The driver of the vehicle called law enforcement at around 10:30 p.m. and Reed was later pronounced dead at 10:59 P.M. at Gwinnett Medical Center. Police claim that the driver-in-question "was determined to be not at fault and there are no charges pending."
UPDATE: Police are now asking people to step forward who might have more information on the circumstances surrounding Reed's accidental death. According to Sgt. Rich Long, Atlanta law enforcement would like to speak to "anyone who might have information about anything that could help us determine why she was there, anything to help us understand how this came together." Police are puzzled as to why Reed was walking on or along the road in such a dark, rather deserted area. The driver and one car passanger are currently the only witnesses in the case.
Reed was a member of Blaque alongside pals Brandi Williams and Shamari Fears-DeVoe. All three young women starred together in "Bring it On" as teammates on the rival and kick-butt cheerleading team the East Compton Clovers against Kirsten Dunst's Rancho Carnes Toros. Blaque released many 1990s R&B hits including "Can't get it Back" and "Bring it All to Me" (featuring NSYNC's J.C. Chasez). Williams and Fears-DeVoe recently released this heartfelt statement regarding Reed's unfortunate and unexpected passing:
"We are devastated by the loss of our group member, sister and friend Natina Reed. Because of the enormous support of Blaque fans and our love for each another, Blaque officially reunited this fall and we were in the process of working on a new album and a reality show. Natina continuously embodied the pioneering spirit of Blaque and her undeniable creativity touched the hearts of fans everywhere. Natina was a mother, sister, accomplished songwriter, artist and friend. We ask for your prayers at this time for Natina's family. She will forever be missed and her global influence eternally felt. We thank God for the experiences we shared."
"Bring it On" co-star Gabrielle Union tweeted this simple message to commemorate Reed on Saturday:
@itsgabrielleu: "#RIP #Sad #BringItOn."
Reed - who was supposedly working on a solo rap album, new film, and Blaque reunion - is survived by her 10-year-old son whom she had with rapper Kurupt.