Lauren Bennett's father claims doctors 'failed' singer in emotional first statement after death
MEOPHAM, KENT: The father of late G.R.L. singer Lauren Bennett has paid an emotional tribute to his daughter following her death at the age of 36 and criticized the NHS over the medical care received in the months before she died.
Bennett, who featured in the 2011 global hit 'Party Rock Anthem,' died in Kent on May 29. Her former bandmates confirmed her passing on Monday, July 6, while the cause of death has yet to be confirmed. A formal inquest into her death is scheduled for October 30.
Lauren Bennett's father shares emotional tribute and raises concerns over NHS care
Lauren's father, Richard, broke his silence in an Instagram statement, describing his daughter as "the love of my life and my pride and joy. It is with a broken heart that I share the loss of my beautiful and talented daughter, the love of my life, and my pride and joy."
He remembered Lauren as "an incredible person and artist: creative, talented, funny, and as humble as she was beautiful. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and made a lasting impact on countless lives through her music, her kindness, and the way she made people feel."
Recalling her early success, he wrote, "From an early age, it was clear that Lauren had a very special gift. She began performing professionally at just 12 years old, and watching her grow into the artist she became was one of the greatest joys of my life."
"Her achievements in the music industry were beyond our wildest dreams and continue to make me so proud," he added. Richard also revealed that Lauren had "experienced a severe reaction to a prescribed medication" in the months before her death.
"As a family, we all rallied around her and did everything we could to support her," he added, "We have no suspicions regarding the circumstances of her death, only deep disappointment that, for five months, medical professionals and NHS services failed to treat her appropriately during her time of greatest need."
Richard concluded his tribute by saying, "Lauren was deeply loved and will be missed every day for the rest of our lives. I hope she will be remembered for her remarkable achievements, her beautiful music, and the incredible person she was."
Lauren Bennett's career, G.R.L.'s tribute and lasting legacy
Lauren's former G.R.L. bandmates also paid tribute in a joint statement, "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren. Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us."
"Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved. Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts." She first rose to fame as a member of 'The Paradiso Girls' in 2007, the European spin-off of the 'Pussycat Dolls.'
Although the group disbanded in 2010 after their singles failed to chart, she continued her music career by appearing on a remix of 'Will.i.am's 'I Got It from My Mama' and later collaborating with CeeLo Green on 'Love Gun.'
Her biggest breakthrough came in 2011 when she featured on the worldwide No. 1 hit 'Party Rock Anthem' and later joined G.R.L., a group launched by Robin Antin. The band experienced tragedy when member Simone Battle died at the age of 25.
Following her death, Lauren and her bandmates launched the 'Give an Hour' campaign to raise awareness of mental health struggles and honoured Simone with their 2015 single Lighthouse.
