Irish Grinstead of girl group 702 dead at 43 after ‘long battle’

nypost.com:

confirmed the singer’s unexpected death 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 Saturday. “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,” continued the post. “We, the family ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family.”The cause of Grinstead’s death has not been shared, however, The Hollywood Reporter noted that 702 announced in December that Grinstead was taking a “medical leave of absence due to serious medical issues.”The Post reached out to LeMisha for comment.

Irish was born on June 2, 1980, in Houston.She had a twin, Orish, who died on April 20, 2008, of kidney failure at 27.702 — which got its name from the Las Vegas area code — was composed of the Grinstead sisters and Kameelah Williams.

The group released its debut album, “No Doubt,” in 1996 featuring the song “Steelo” — the theme song to the hit Nickelodeon show “Cousin Skeeter.” Before disbanding in 2006, the group had been nominated for an American Music Award, a BET Award, and several Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.They won Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year — Group, Band or Duo for “No Doubt.”Since news broke of Grinstead’s death, fans and fellow celebrities have been sharing their condolences online. “Multitude of Prayers for your family,” wrote rap icon Missy Elliott, 52. “Sister I’m so sorry,” wrote Tamar Braxton, 46.