Sad and shocking news from this week in the reality TV universe:
KeKe Jabbar, a key cast member on OWN’s Love & Marriage: Huntsville, has reportedly passed away.
She was 42 years old.
Marcella Speaks — who Jabbar feuded with on the last season of the popular show — confirmed Jabbar’s death on Tuesday, July 2, after receiving a statement from Jabbar’s family.
She read this message during a live broadcast on YouTube, stating in the footage that Jabbar died “peacefully at home, surrounded by love.”
The cause of death was not revealed.
“It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Keke. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love,” the statement in question read.
“She was a mother, a sister and a great friend full of life, love and laughter. She will be greatly missed and at this time we ask for respect and privacy in our time of grief as we process this great loss.”
Love & Marriage: Huntsville follows three African-American power couples, lifelong friends, who come together to revitalize the thriving city of Huntsville, Alabama through their joint real estate venture, The Comeback Group.
Earlier this year, Jabbar faced allegations of heavy drug use and even using someone else’s urine to pass a drug test.
“I’ve never done any kind of hard drugs,” Jabbar said on Love & Marriage: Huntsville Reunion after being confronted by the show’s producer, Carlos King, claiming she was sober and adding on air:
“I’ve never taken anything, heroin, cocaine, crack… I’ve never taken anything like that.”
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Jabbar’s cousin and fellow reality star LaTisha Scott shared an Instagram post requesting privacy amid the dire news.
“At this time, we ask for RESPECT and PRIVACY in our time of grief as we process this huge loss! This is difficult for our family!!!!!” she wrote.
After news of Jabbar’s death spread across the internet, fans posted their condolences in the comments section of his final Instagram post… which was a video from May 26.
The clip shows Jabbar advertising his line of swim wigs while celebrating Memorial Day weekend with loved ones by the pool.
Jabbar leaves behind three children, her husband, parents and cousins.
In late May, Jabbar shared numerous photos celebrating her oldest child Amaree’s high school graduation; she hasn’t posted anything on social media in June.
We send our condolences to KeKe Jabbar’s friends and family. May she rest in peace.