Ashley Taylor Gerren, known professionally as Gerren Taylor, has passed away. According to multiple reports, the “Baldwin Hills” star and model died on Sunday morning (April 11) in her sleep from unknown causes. She was 30 years old.
At the time of publishing, Taylor’s family has not publicly commented on her passing. The mother-of-one suffered from lupus and was reportedly on dialysis at the time of her death, though the disease has not been confirmed as the cause of her passing.
After the tragic news broke on Monday morning (April 12), fans, friends and former co-stars took to social media to mourn Taylor. On Twitter, Ray Cunningham, who appeared on BET’s “College Hill” in 2006, wrote, “Just got the worst news. I hate it’s on the internet already. RIP to my [BET] fam, my babes Gerren (Baldwin Hills).”
He added on Instagram, “I’ve known [Gerren] since 2006, the ‘Baldwin Hills’ cast was like the little sisters and brothers to ‘College Hill.’ I was sneaking her into parties with me. She was one of the first people to reach out to me when I shared my alopecia diagnosis and she shared hers with me. I [love] u. You will be missed. BET fam. Rest well love.”
Fellow “Baldwin Hills” star Moriah J also wrote, “Safe travels Gerren.”
“Queen Ashley ‘Gerren’ Taylor, my sister, an LA legend. Forever in our heart,” Etienne Maurice, who also appeared on “Baldwin Hills,” wrote. “Rest in eternal peace. [Moriah J] and I prayed for your soul and your family today thinking about all the good times we shared.”
Raised in Los Angeles, Taylor began her modeling career at 12 years old, becoming the youngest model ever to be signed by the runway division of L.A. Models. The California native was best known for her starring role on BET’s “Baldwin Hills,” a reality TV series that followed the lives of teenagers in Los Angeles’ Baldwin Hills district.
In 2007, Taylor also appeared in the documentary America the Beautiful, which examined self-image and beauty standards in the United States.
Taylor leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter. According to Essence, Taylor’s family will be releasing a public link so that fans can support her family and daughter during this difficult time. See more tributes to Taylor below.