Photos: Former X Factor contestant & G.R.L. singer, Simone Battle found dead at 25 from apparent suicide

Simone Battle, a former contestant on The X Factor and a member of the all-girls group G.R.L., was found dead in her Los Angeles home yesterday. 
She was 25 years old.

Today, battle's record company and management issued a joint statement on her passing.

'We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.' the statement from Reign Deer Entertainment, Kemosabe Records, RCA Records and Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin reads.

'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.'

Friend and fellow-musician Derek Butler initially broke the news overnight on Instagram. 

Butler posted a picture of Battle and wrote: 'I'm, still in shock and in disbelief to have confirmed the death of my childhood friend.

'Her heart was pure gold and her star power limitless. Rest in sweet peace Angel.'  

At the time of her death, Battle was singing in the girl group G.R.L. which was initially organized as a re-boot of The Pussycat Dolls group.

Battle’s father tells TMZ his daughter’s body discovery in the bedroom of her apartment in a West Hollywood neighborhood.
Law enforcement officials also say Simone was tragically found hanging on a rod in the closet of her bedroom around 8:30 AM on Friday.
They believe she took her own life.
Tragic! We send our condolences to the singer's family, friends and loved ones.

Battle first started singing professionally after her breakout on the U.S. version of the X Factor in 2011. She made it to the top 17 and was mentored by judge Simon Cowell. 

Simone with her parents!