Reality TV star Ashley Ross— better known to her fans as “Ms. Minnie”— died Monday night after being involved in a tragic hit-and-run accident.
Ms. Minnie, who starred on Lifetime’s Little Women: Atlanta, was involved in the car accident around 11 p.m. Sunday night in Atlanta, according to a statement released to CNN by her publicist Liz Dixon. The Wrap reports that Ms. Minnie was seriously injured when the car she was in collided with another vehicle.
She was rushed to Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital, where she died from her injuries about 24 hours later.
She was only 34 years old.
Ms. Minnie’s management team confirmed her death via a statement posted to her official Instagram account.
“Full Statement from the management team of @MsMinnieLWA,” the statement begins. “It is with profound sadness that we confirm on behalf of the family of Ashley Ross aka ‘Ms Minnie’ of Little Women Atlanta has succumbed to injuries from a tragic hit and run car accident today at the age of 34. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”
Following the news of her death, Ms. Minnie’s friends, co-stars and associates began to speak out about her life and the impact she had on those around her, including ‘Little Women: Atlanta’ fans.
“Ashley was a sweet and kind person with a big heart,” her publicist told CNN. “She was an advocate for St. Jude and young women. She will be remembered for her contagious smile.”
Her ‘LWA’ co-star, Amanda Salinas expressed how devastated she is by Ms. Minnie’s death.
“As I’m writing this I’m in tears I can’t believe it my Minnie !” she posted in the caption of several photos of herself with Ms. Minnie. “Why did they take you away from us! WHY! It always seems like we have all the time in the world, only to realize how fleeting it really is. I wish we had more time to do and say the things we saved for later which along with you is gone forever. I promise to keep you alive in my memories and be there for your mama @grneyes4life and aunt. You were more than our best friend you were our big sister and still is! I still can’t believe this man why man why! I love you so much! My heart is broken Rest In Peace my love @msminnielwa.”
She also added “RIP my Minnie” to her Instagram bio.
Terra Jole— who stars on Little Women: LA— also released a statement, which she posted to Instagram.
“There are no words to describe the turn of events these past few days,” Terra wrote. “I’m deeply saddened that @msminnielwa is no longer with us but happy she now walks with angels. Minnie always spoke with her whole heart, listened with every word, and guided like the unspoken mama she is. You will be missed hard. Prayers to you and your family, your mom especially. @msminnielwa deserves an ending to her story instead of a coward that drove away.”
Lifetime— the network that airs ‘Little Women: Atlanta’— released its own statement to The Wrap on Tuesday.
“Lifetime and the whole ‘Little Women’ Family are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the sudden passing of Minnie Ross,” the network wrote. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends. Minnie was an amazing talent and a special part of ‘Little Women Atlanta.’ She will be dearly missed.”
Ms. Minnie has appeared on ‘Little Women: Atlanta’ since its premiere in 2016.
UPDATE! TMZ reports that, although Ms. Minnie’s rep has stated that the car accident was a hit-and-run, there may be more to it than that.
“Cops investigating the accident tell TMZ … it appears Ms. Minnie lost control of her Nissan Sentra and swerved into opposing traffic,” the site reports. “Cops say she struck a Ford Focus, and the driver of that car suffered minor injuries. Ms. Minnie was seriously injured and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital. She died there nearly 24 hours later.”
(Photos: Lifetime, Instagram)
6 Responses
I cried for her, but I sobbed for her mother. This will truly break this woman’s heart. Minnie was her whole life. I am so sad about this. I will pray extra hard for her mom to somehow get through this.
Yes her mother was very protective of Minnie. I hope she has a strong support system. She’s in my prayers.
Sooo sad.. When I saw the headlines I immediately thought that she had a heart attack because that’s the issue she was struggling with the most..This is sooo sad.??
This is really sad, she was still so young! Her mom and the twins are I’m sure devastated! It’s just a reminder of how you can lose someone you love in a second unexpectedly. RIP Ms. Minnie!?❤️