Lauren Bennett died by suicide, inquest finds
British singer and G.R.L. member Lauren Bennett died by suicide at age 37 after struggling with severe mental health issues and a reaction to prescribed medication, an inquest has found.
Bennett was found dead in a rural area of Kent on May 29. Her husband, Kenny Wormald, and her father discovered her body after following her location via Find My iPhone when she failed to return from a morning walk, according to details presented at the Kent and Medway Coroners’ Court.
Inquest Findings Reveal Months of Psychological Suffering
Assistant coroner Jyoti Gill read a statement to the court from Wormald detailing that Bennett had been battling severe mental health struggles prior to her death. The court heard that Bennett was previously diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with anxiety, mood instability, and depression. In January, months before her death, she experienced severe insomnia lasting days and was hospitalised under a mental health order. Gill noted that Bennett suffered substantial psychological suffering ever since, and despite being under the care of special mental health services, she did not believe she would get better. Toxicology reports showed no alcohol or illicit drugs in her system when she died.
Page Six reported that an investigation into Bennett’s death was opened on June 12, with the Kent and Medway Coroner Service handling the case ahead of the October 30 inquest. Farewell letters written by Bennett were discovered inside her home.
Family Tributes and Criticism of Health Services
Bennett’s father, Richard Bennett, announced his daughter’s death in July via social media, describing her as the love of his life, a talented artist who started performing professionally at age 12, and a gifted performer whose achievements in the music industry surpassed expectations. Richard Bennett publicly criticized health services, stating that his daughter had experienced a severe reaction to a prescribed medication months prior to her death and claiming that medical professionals and NHS services failed to treat her appropriately for five months during her greatest time of need.
Page Six noted that her former G.R.L. bandmates—Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, and Paula van Oppen—shared a statement on Instagram on July 6 expressing heartbreak over her death. G.R.L. originally formed in 2013 and disbanded two years later following the suicide of bandmate Simone Battle in September 2014, before reuniting in 2016.
Bennett gained global recognition as a featured artist on LMFAO’s 2011 hit “Party Rock Anthem.” She is survived by her daughter and family.
Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.