The R&B singer and member of famed girl group 702 died on Sept. 16 at age 43, her sister and fellow bandmate, Lemisha Grinstead, announced on 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 wrote alongside a photo of Irish. "She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace. 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."
Irish's other bandmate, Kameelah Williams, also shared a message on Instagram in the wake of her death, writing, "Devastated & heartbroken 💔 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."
She continued, "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 cus I know how much you missed her. You & 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' & I still love you my forever lil sis!!! Rest easy #Irish 🕊️ 🍀 🤍 😇 #7 #Dimples #IBG #702."
Irish's cause of death has not yet been revealed but, according to Rolling Stone, 702 shared in December 2022 that she took a leave of absence from the group due to "serious medical issues." Back in 2008, Irish's twin sister, Orish — who sang background vocals for 702 — died of kidney failure amid a battle with cancer.
