Baldwin Hills alum Gerren Taylor passes away, age 30, in her sleep after battle with lupus

Baldwin Hills star Gerren Taylor has died at the age 30 after battling the inflammatory disease lupus.

The Los Angeles native passed away in her sleep around 4.30am on Sunday. She was on dialysis at the time of her death, but it's unclear if it was directly related to the cause - according to Essence.

Gerren (born Ashley Taylor Gerren) first found fame starring in the reality show, which was BET's answer to MTV's Laguna Beach, for three seasons spanning 2007-2009.  

RIP: Baldwin Hills alum Gerren Taylor passed away, age 30, in her sleep on Sunday morning at 4:30am after battling the inflammatory disease lupus (pictured March 29)

RIP: Baldwin Hills alum Gerren Taylor passed away, age 30, in her sleep on Sunday morning at 4:30am after battling the inflammatory disease lupus (pictured March 29)

Taylor was also a model and she made history, at age 12, as the youngest one to be signed by the runway division of L.A. Models.

The 5ft11in stunner was also reportedly the first African-American to front a Marc Jacobs campaign.

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In the early 2000s, Gerren strutted down the catwalks of designers like Benjamin Cho, Tracy Reese, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jeremy Scott.

Taylor's last gig was serving as field production manager for Venn game show, Dare Package with Austin Show, last year. 

Stardom: The Los Angeles native (T-L) first found fame starring in the reality show, which was BET's answer to MTV's Laguna Beach, for three seasons spanning 2007-2009

Stardom: The Los Angeles native (T-L) first found fame starring in the reality show, which was BET's answer to MTV's Laguna Beach, for three seasons spanning 2007-2009

Gerren Taylor wearing Benjamin Cho Fall 2004 during Olympus Fashion Week Fall 2004 Gerren Taylor wearing Tracy Reese Fall 2004 during Olympus Fashion Week Fall 2004 Gerren Taylor wearing Tracy Reese Spring 2004

Model citizen: Gerren (born Ashley Taylor Gerren) made history, at age 12, as the youngest model to be signed by the runway division of L.A. Models and she was also reportedly the first African-American to front a Marc Jacobs campaign

Behind the scenes: Taylor's last gig was serving as field production manager for Venn game show, Dare Package with Austin Show, last year

Behind the scenes: Taylor's last gig was serving as field production manager for Venn game show, Dare Package with Austin Show, last year

Gerren also ran clothing companies Hush Dollz and Miyoko's Closet, and she was planning on launching a pet clothing company called Poochie Couture on May 5.

Taylor is survived by her six-year-old daughter Miyoko Amor aka 'Koko,' whom she left a message for back in 2019.  

'To my daughter, I want you to believe deep in your heart that you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to - that you will never lose,' the entrepreneur wrote

'You either win or learn, just go forth and aim for the skies. 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 mommy loved you unconditionally.' 

Too soon: The 5ft11in stunner ran clothing companies Hush Dollz and Miyoko's Closet, and she was planning on launching a pet clothing company called Poochie Couture on May 5 (pictured October 6)

Too soon: The 5ft11in stunner ran clothing companies Hush Dollz and Miyoko's Closet, and she was planning on launching a pet clothing company called Poochie Couture on May 5 (pictured October 6)

Survived by her only child: The 5ft11in stunner left an ominous message to her six-year-old daughter Miyoko Amor aka 'Koko' in 2019 (pictured in 2020)

Survived by her only child: The 5ft11in stunner left an ominous message to her six-year-old daughter Miyoko Amor aka 'Koko' in 2019 (pictured in 2020)

Gerren wrote: '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 mommy loved you unconditionally'

Gerren wrote: '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 mommy loved you unconditionally'

BET confirmed the tragic news when they tweeted that their 'hearts go out to her family and friends,' writing: 'BET family is FOREVER.'

Gerren's Baldwin Hills castmate Etienne Maurice tweeted that he was thinking about all the good times they shared, writing: 'I prayed for your soul and your family today.' 

Taylor's BH co-star Ashley Calloway Instastoried that she was happy she got to see her recently at the Regency with her father: 'We were so proud of each other. Man this hurts.' 

Her BH co-star Moriah Johnson posted a snap of the pair on Instagram and wrote that it feels like he lost a piece of his childhood. 

BET confirmed the tragic news when they tweeted that their 'hearts go out to her family and friends,' writing: 'BET family is FOREVER'

BET confirmed the tragic news when they tweeted that their 'hearts go out to her family and friends,' writing: 'BET family is FOREVER'

Taylor's Baldwin Hills castmate Etienne Maurice tweeted that he was thinking about all the good times they shared, writing: 'I prayed for your soul and your family today'

Taylor's Baldwin Hills castmate Etienne Maurice tweeted that he was thinking about all the good times they shared, writing: 'I prayed for your soul and your family today'

The entrepreneur's BH co-star Ashley Calloway Instastoried that she was happy she got to see her recently at the Regency with her father: 'We were so proud of each other. Man this hurts'

The entrepreneur's BH co-star Ashley Calloway Instastoried that she was happy she got to see her recently at the Regency with her father: 'We were so proud of each other. Man this hurts'

'Still can't believe it': Gerren's BH co-star Moriah Johnson posted a snap of the pair on Instagram and wrote that it feels like he lost a piece of his childhood

'Still can't believe it': Gerren's BH co-star Moriah Johnson posted a snap of the pair on Instagram and wrote that it feels like he lost a piece of his childhood

'Still can't believe it,' Johnson lamented on Monday.

'It's difficult to comprehend the brevity of life at times, and so we must live and love as best we can while we can. Sending my love and prayers to the Taylor family and all affected by this untimely loss. Such a beautiful and confident soul. Enjoy your rest.'

And Geren's BH castmate Daymeon 'Day Day' Long Instastoried The Shade Room's post with the caption: 'R.I.P. Gerren.' 

And Taylor's BH castmate Daymeon 'Day Day' Long Instastoried The Shade Room's post with the caption: 'R.I.P. Gerren'

And Taylor's BH castmate Daymeon 'Day Day' Long Instastoried The Shade Room's post with the caption: 'R.I.P. Gerren'

'I've known @mstaylorxo since 2006': Love and Hip-Hop alum Ray Cunningham (2-L) shared a video and a snap of the pair and admitted he would probably drink alcohol tonight to 'keep from crying'

'I've known @mstaylorxo since 2006': Love and Hip-Hop alum Ray Cunningham (2-L) shared a video and a snap of the pair and admitted he would probably drink alcohol tonight to 'keep from crying'

Love and Hip-Hop alum Ray Cunningham shared a video and a snap of the pair and admitted he would probably drink alcohol tonight to 'keep from crying.'

'Just got the worst news ever and I'm still not processing it fully,' Cunningham aka Misster Ray wrote.

'I've known @mstaylorxo since 2006, the #BaldwinHills cast was like the little sisters and brothers to [BET's] #CollegeHill. 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 her's with me. I love you. You will be missed. BET fam. Rest well love.'

WHAT IS LUPUS?

What is lupus?

It is one of the chronic autoimmune conditions, where the body makes antibodies against itself and starts to attack it. Lupus – Systemic Lupus Erythematotsus (SLE) – has a range of severity. Some sufferers will have only mild problems, others have life-threatening organ damage to the heart and the kidneys.

What are the symptoms?

Tiredness, joint pains and muscle aches. A common first symptom is joint stiffness, particularly in the mornings. Skin and hair problems are a major feature of SLE – a rash in the shape of a butterfly over the cheeks and nose is common, as is hair loss and sensitivity to the sun. Other problems include depression and lung and heart disease, as well as kidney inflammation.

What can it be mistaken for?

It is often mistaken for other joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis which is also characterised by morning joint stiffness. It can also be misdiagnosed as a skin or blood disease.

How is it diagnosed?

If your GP suspects SLE they will request a blood test. The specific antibodies that attack the body can be measured in the blood. The diagnosis is made when there is the combination of typical symptoms and high antibodies.

Who is at risk?

SLE is ten times more common in women than men and usually develops between the ages 12 and 25.

What is the treatment?

Controlling the symptoms, as there is no cure, using anti-inflammatories and steroid tablets in more severe cases. 

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