Death of G.R.L. singer Simon Battle ruled a suicide

USPA News - The death of American singer Simone Battle, who was a member of girl group band G.R.L. and a finalist on `The X-Factor` television show, has been ruled a suicide, authorities said on late Sunday after an autopsy was carried out. Battle, 25, was found dead at her West Hollywood home on Friday morning.

An autopsy was carried out on Sunday, which determined the manner of death to be a suicide, the Los Angeles County Coroner`s Department said. No further details were disclosed, but gossip and entertainment news website TMZ.com had previously cited sources saying that Battle had hanged herself in her bedroom. "Words cannot express the depth of our loss. Simone`s incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart," G.R.L. members Lauren Bennett, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton and Paula van Oppen said in a statement on Saturday. "We will carry her memory with us in everything we do." A joint statement by Reign Deer Entertainment, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records, and RCA Records also expressed sadness over Battle`s sudden death. "Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing," the statement said, adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time."