British singer Lauren Bennett, known for her work with the pop group G.R.L. and her feature on LMFAO’s 2011 hit singleParty Rock Anthemtook her own life following severe mental health struggles, an inquest has concluded.
The 36-year-old artist was discovered dead in Kent on 29 May. During proceedings at Kent and Medway Coroners’ Court on Friday, statements were presented detailing the circumstances surrounding her death.
In a statement read by assistant coroner Jyoti Gill, Bennett’s husband, professional dancer Kenny Wormald, stated that she had been dealing with severe mental health issues. He recalled that on the morning of her death, she mentioned going for a walk while he remained in bed half asleep.
When Bennett failed to return after several hours and did not reply to calls or text messages from him and other family members, Wormald and her father began searching for her. Using the Find My iPhone app to track her device, Wormald located her body in a rural spot. He noted that they regularly spoke about everything and there was no prior indication she intended to end her life. You can find organisations which offer help and information at Action Line, if you have been affected by this story.
The court was informed that multiple pages of farewell notes were later discovered at her home. Assistant coroner Gill noted that Bennett had been suffering “substantial psychological suffering” leading up to her death.
Medical details revealed during the hearing showed Bennett had previously been diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder known to trigger anxiety, depression, and mood instability. In January preceding her death, she experienced severe sleep deprivation lasting several days and was admitted to a hospital under a mental health section.
At the time of her death, Bennett was under the care of specialist mental health services and had reportedly reacted poorly to prescribed medication, expressing feelings that her condition would not improve. Toxicology reports confirmed that no alcohol or illegal drugs were present in her system when she died.
Her father, Richard Bennett, shared in a statement read to the court that his daughter had led an “amazing life,” pointing out that she had signed her first record deal at age 17 and relocated to the United States on her own to pursue her career.
Before joining G.R.L., Bennett performed with the band Paradiso Girls alongside Aria Crescendo. Speaking about Bennett, Crescendo described her as “super talented, super beautiful and super funny,” adding, “We’re so in shock that this happened, honestly.”
Her former bandmates in G.R.L. previously acknowledged her passing on Instagram in July, writing: “Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us.”
Bennett gained widespread international recognition for her vocals onParty Rock Anthemwhich Billboard ranked as the fifth most successful track of all time after spending six weeks at number one on the Hot 100 chart in 2011. She also appeared in the track’s music video, which has accumulated over 2.5 billion views on YouTube. Additional reporting by Press Association.
