Ashley “Minnie” Ross is dead . The star of the lifetime series Little Women: Atlanta passed away at the age of 34 following a hit-and-run car accident, according to a report by People .
Late on Sunday night, the car Ross was traveling in was hit by another on Atlanta’s Old National Highway, leaving her seriously injured. Ross was taken to the nearby Grady Memorial Hospital, where she passed away due to her injuries on Monday evening.
Ross’ management team confirmed the news in a post shared on her Instagram account.
“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.”
Ross is survived by her mother, Tammy Jackson; her aunt, Veronica Deloney; her uncle, John Deloney; her grandmother, Rose Deloney; and her boyfriend, music producer Slickbeatz. She had been dating the producer since 2019.
Slickbeatz paid tribute to his girlfriend on Instagram.
“I love you today, I love you tomorrow and I will love you the same 10 years from now. Ima miss you baby girl.”
Ross Was One Of The Original Stars Of ‘Little Women: Atlanta’
When Lifetime premiered Little Women: Atlanta — a spinoff of the network’s successful Little Women: LA. — in 2016, the world was introduced to the woman nicknamed “Minnie.” Originally from Tennesse, the former hairstylist was considered the “Mama Bear” of the cast that included Briana Barlup, Tiffany “Monie” Cashette, Emily Fernandez , and the Salinas twins.
However, Ross’ respected position within the cast didn’t stop her from getting involved in some of the show’s most chaotic storylines. In particular, a lie that she was impregnated by the rapper Pastor Troy dominated the early seasons as Ross fell deeper into her efforts to conceal the truth.
Ross explained that she joined the show in an effort to help people understand what life was like for a little person.
“I wanted to be part of this movement because I want everyone to see our point of view in life. I want people to, you know, see what we go through. The everyday struggle that little people go through in life.”
The series has run for five seasons, and a sixth season is scheduled to premiere in 2020.
Ross’ ‘Little Women: Atlanta’ Co-stars Paid Tribute To Their Friend
Even though Ross’ relationship with her castmates could become confrontational, she was beloved — as evidenced by the tributes that poured out following the confirmation of her death. Amanda Salinas paid respects to her “big sister” on Instagram, and promised to keep Ross’ memory alive.
Drea Salinas gave her own tribute to Ross, recalling how close they had become since the pilot episode of Little Women: Atlanta. Fellow co-star Ms Juicy Baby’s Instagram post simply stated that the news was “too much,” and she called for prayers to be made for Ross’ family.