702 singer Irish Grinstead dies at 43 after ‘long battle’

Irish Grinstead, of the hit ’90s girl group 702, has died, according to her sister and bandmate LeMisha Grinstead.

LeMisha took to social media to announce the tragic death of the 43-year-old on Saturday, September 16. The Instagram post did not reveal his cause of death, but said his passing followed a “long battle.”

“It is with great sadness that I must announce that my beautiful sister and friend passed away this evening. She fought a long battle and is finally at peace. This girl was as bright as the stars! LeMisha wrote about her younger sister.

“She was not only beautiful on the outside, but also on the inside. Sharing the stage with her was a joy that I will cherish for the rest of my life! We, the family, ask for prayers and privacy as we mourn an exceptional loss to our family.

In December, 702 people announced that the Irish would be taking “medical leave due to serious medical conditions.” The devastating loss comes 15 years after Irish’s twin sister and original 702 member Orish died of kidney failure in 2008, NewsOne reports.

The group announced a 2018 reunion tour with original member Kameelah Williams. Fans were hoping for another comeback after Irish and LeMisha starred in BET presents The Encore in 2021.

Source: Ron Galella/Getty

The name 702 comes from the zip code of Las Vegas, where the girls were living when Sinbad discovered them. In 1996, 702 released their award-winning debut album. Without a doubt. It contained the hit song “Steelo”, which also became the theme song for the Nickelodeon film. Cousin Skeeter. Their hit “Where My Girls At?” » followed in 1999 on their second self-titled album.

“RIP Irish” was trending on X (formerly known as Twitter) as tributes and memories poured in from fans, famous friends and former collaborators.

Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Irish Grinstead.