Baldwin Hills star Gerren Taylor has died aged 30 after battling lupus, an inflammatory disease.
The Los Angeles native died in her sleep around 4:30 a.m. Sunday. She was on dialysis at the time of her death, but it is not known if this was directly related to the cause – according to Essence.
Gerren (née Ashley Taylor Gerren) first found fame starring on the reality show, which was BET’s answer to MTV’s Laguna Beach, for three seasons spanning 2007-2009.
RIP: Baldwin Hills alumnus Gerren Taylor died at the age of 30 in her sleep Sunday morning at 4:30 a.m. after battling lupus, an inflammatory disease (pictured March 29)
Former model: The Los Angeles native (TL) first rose to prominence on the reality show, which was BET’s response to MTV’s Laguna Beach, for three seasons spanning 2007-2009
Taylor was also a model and made history at the age of 12 as the youngest to be signed to the runway division of LA Models.
The 5-foot-11 stunner’s last gig was serving as the field production manager for Venn’s game show, Dare Package with Austin Show, last year.
Gerren also ran clothing companies Hush Dollz and Miyoko’s Closet, and she planned to start a pet clothing business called Poochie Couture on May 5.
Taylor is survived by her six-year-old daughter, Miyoko Amor, aka “ Koko, ” who she left a message with in 2019.
Too Early: Gerren (née Ashley Taylor Gerren) ran clothing companies Hush Dollz and Miyoko’s Closet, and she planned to start a pet clothing business called Poochie Couture on May 5 (pictured October 6)
Behind the scenes: Taylor’s last gig served as the field production manager for Venn’s game show, Dare Package with Austin Show, last year
‘I can’t promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for the rest of mine’: the 5-foot-11 stunner left an ominous message to her six-year-old daughter Miyoko Amor, aka ‘Koko’ in 2019 (pictured in 2020)
“To my daughter, I want you to believe deep in your heart that you are capable of achieving anything you want – that you will never lose,” the entrepreneur wrote.
“Either you win or you learn, just go ahead and aim for the sky. I can’t promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise to love you for the rest of mine. You make me so proud and mom loved you unconditionally.
BET confirmed the tragic news when they tweeted that their “hearts go out to his family and friends”, writing: “BET family is FOREVER”.
Gerren’s Baldwin Hills teammate Etienne Maurice tweeted he thought of all the good times they shared, writing, “I prayed for your soul and your family today.
BET confirmed the tragic news when they tweeted that their ‘hearts go out to family and friends’, writing: ‘The BET family is FOREVER’
Gerren’s Baldwin Hills teammate Etienne Maurice tweeted he was thinking of all the good times they shared, writing: ‘I prayed for your soul and family today’
‘I still can’t believe it’: Moriah Johnson, Taylor’s Baldwin Hills co-star, posted a photo of the pair on Instagram and wrote he felt like he had lost a piece of his childhood
“ I’ve known @mstaylorxo since 2006 ”: Love and Hip-Hop alumnus Ray Cunningham (2-L) shared a video and snap of the pair and admitted he would probably drink alcohol this evening to “ not cry ”
Taylor Baldwin Hills co-star Moriah Johnson posted a photo of the pair on Instagram and wrote that he felt like he had lost a piece of his childhood.
“I still can’t believe it,” Johnson lamented on Monday.
“ Sometimes it’s hard to understand the brevity of life, so we have to live and love the best we can while we can. Sending my love and prayers to the Taylor family and to all affected by this untimely loss. Such a beautiful and confident soul. Enjoy your rest.
Love and Hip-Hop alum Ray Cunningham shared a video and photo of the couple and admitted he would likely drink alcohol tonight to “ not cry. ”
“ I just got the worst news ever and I’m still not dealing with it completely, ” Cunningham aka Misster Ray wrote.
“ I’ve known @mstaylorxo since 2006, the cast of #BaldwinHills was like the little sisters and brothers to [BET’s] #CollegeHill. I sneaked her into parties with me. She was one of the first people to contact me when I shared my diagnosis of alopecia and she shared her diagnosis with me. I love you. We will miss you. BET fam. Rest well, my love.