G.R.L.'s member, Simone Battle, was reportedly struggling with finances before taking her own life last week, TMZ reported.
Friends and family close to the former "X Factor" contestant told law enforcement that before her death, Battle became "depressed over money issues." Sources claim that the 25-year-old had financial issues and constantly worried about never making "it big."
Battle was reportedly "frustrated that she hadn't hit in the U.S. and worried she never would."
However, Battle's family is claiming that they do not understand her financial struggles because she was having success with the girl group and had just finished a tour overseas. G.R.L. was featured in Pitbull's single "Wild Wild Love" and also performed on "Good Morning, America" last month.
"We know friends and family members told law enforcement [that] Battle was depressed over money issues recently," TMZ wrote. "The family wasn't specific but they were clear ... money was bringing her down. The family didn't quite understand, because Battle was part of a successful singing group that had just completed an overseas tour."
Battle's father, Anthony, said his daughter never showed any signs of depression, a disease he admitted to TMZ that he battled himself.
Los Angeles County Coroner's Department told the Associated Press that Battle's death was ruled as a suicide by hanging, but did not provide any further details. The singer was found dead inside of the bedroom closet in her West Hollywood apartment on Friday.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.," Reign Deer Entertainment, the management firm led by Larry Rudolph, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records and RCA Records said in a joint statement, according to People Magazine. "Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time."
The remaining members of G.R.L. issued a statement via Twitter which read, "Words cannot express the depth of our loss. Simone's incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart. We will carry her memory with us in everything we do."
