Back in 1996, the girl group 702 released their debut album, “No Doubt.” The band went on to make a name for themselves in the music industry. They were even nominated for awards including Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, an American Music Award and a BET Award.
The band consisted of sisters Irish Grinstead and LeMisha Grinstead as well as their friend Kameelah Williams. After a successful career, the group ultimately broke up in 2006.
Now comes the sad news that Irish has died at the age of 43 years old. Her sister, LeMisha, announced the sad news on Instagram. On Sunday September 17, 2023, she posted a picture of Irish and wrote, “It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening.”
While LeMisha didn’t mention a specific cause of death, she did mention that her sister “had a long battle.” The Hollywood Reporter reported that in December 2022, 702 announced that Irish decided to take a “medical leave of absence due to serious medical issues.” What exactly those medical issues are have not been disclosed.
LeMisha described her late sister calling her “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!”
She ended her post by asking “for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family.”
Kameelah also took to Instagram to share her sadness over Irish’s death. She posted the same picture as LeMisha and wrote, “Devastated & heartbroken.” She added, “I struggled with this post because to me this isn’t real.”
Then Kameelah directed her feelings to Irish. She wrote, “I know you’re feeling better now and hugging your twin Orish which makes me smile cus I know how much you missed her.” Irish’s twin Orish died in 2008 from kidney failure.
Kameelah continued, “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.”
Watch the video below to learn more about Irish’s death.
Rest in peace.