'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kandi Burruss is formally breaking her silence about the tragic death of her ex-fiance Ashley 'A.J.' Jewell.
Jewell, who has appeared in several episodes of the hit Bravo reality series, was killed after a fight outside popular Atlanta strip club, The Body Tap, late Friday night. As previously reported by BV Newswire, Frederick Richardson was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the beating death of Jewell the next day.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Richardson was an employee at the strip club and Jewell was a part-owner.
The former Xscape front-woman released a statement on Sunday afternoon about her loss.
"I am devastated by the loss of AJ. His death comes on the heels of the death of my beloved Uncle Ralph and with both of them gone, my heart is heavy with grief."
The Grammy Award-winning songwriter said that she spoke with AJ just two hours before she got the phone call that he was in the hospital. She added, "Never in a thousand years did I think it was going to be the last time I heard his voice. He was taken way too soon. There are so many things that I should have said to him, wanted to say to him...but now it's too late."
Burruss previously took to Twitter.com early Saturday saying that she did not want to talk, but that she was thankful for prayers and kind words she received from the public. In her new statement, she expressed her gratitude at the support she has received.
"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my family and friends -- and that means my Twitter and Facebook friends as well -- for the beautiful words of encouragement, prayers, and the sweet condolences. I make it through these difficult days because of you."
As for Jewell, he leaves behind six children. Burruss asked for people to "please pray for his children, his family and [her own daughter] Riley - they too are grieving the loss of an incredible man, son, brother and father."
The Atlanta native lamented, "I wish you all had gotten to know the AJ we all knew and loved," and left a few choice words for the world.
"I know this is cliché' but I urge everyone to treat each day as if it's your last and tell that special someone you love them today. Don't wait. It may be too late."
No information on Jewell's funeral services were released.
Comments: (138)
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By: DR.M.Brown on 10/04/2009 11:13PM
We pray for Kandi, her family, her late ex finance and his family.We pray Psalms 23 for them in this time.
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By: Daley on 10/04/2009 9:30PM
My heart goes out to Kandi. It's amazing how we can speak to someone one minute and just that fast we can lose them. Take nothing or no one for granted.
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By: Benita on 10/09/2009 4:21PM
Your comment about speaking to someone and they're gone the next is so true. Last year, May 20, my husband was at a training class out of town. He called me to ask me to call him in 30 minutes to make sure he did'nt over sleep ( something we both did regularly- call eachother). Except when I did call back in 30 minutes, there was no answer, and I continued to call every few minutes throughout the day. It was'nt until that night and not hearing back that me and our children received word that he had a heart attack right after he called me.That was the last time I spoke to him and my children didn't even get that much. Show & tell your love at all times. You never know when it's your last time.
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By: lvalentine on 10/04/2009 10:11PM
My prayers go out to Kandi, her family, AJ's family and friends. With all my heart I feel the sadness of this tragedy.
Forgive me, but I have to say, I watch the show (Real Housewives of Atlanta) and I didn't even know that Kandi and AJ were no longer engaged. I also have to wonder if they are going to continue to film the show and show the episodes with AJ in them. I am sure the break up or stopping of the wedding between Kandi and AJ was shown on the show, I wonder if they will air them?
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By: squirrel805 on 10/05/2009 1:47PM
The were still engaged. Because he is deceased now they say ex fiance. It is rather disrespectful I think but i guess in order to be proper, someone can't no longer be engaged to someone who is deceased.
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By: Standing Tall on 10/05/2009 4:14PM
The reason they are saying ex finance, because they had split up before he was killed. She called off the wedding back in July and he moved out the home they was sharing in late August. The show was taped back in June prior to all of this happening. They are about to start on the new season.
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By: tina on 10/05/2009 5:03PM
the engagement was OFF a while ago. kandi appeared on the Wendy Williams show w/o her ring on and confirmed that they were no longer a couple/engaged and that she had taken in his 12year old twin daughters, temporarily providing them with loving care& guidance. Unfortunately the biological parents were overwhelmed @ this time. Lets keep all of AJ's children in prayer, b/c they nolonger have a father. Kandi can't take in all of his children by herself. Hopefully the other mothers financial household was in order
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By: dounotme82 on 10/06/2009 4:52PM
Am I the only one wondering why there are no detail about his death. What happened, what started the fight, how was he hit with a fist, baseball bat, was it from his head hitting the concrete ect?
That was beautiful that she invited the twins into her home. My motto is if you can't take care of them or simply don't want to have them, don't make em'. I only hope they are being good to her and appreciate what she has done for them. She will be in my prayers.
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By: TRUTH_TELLER on 10/04/2009 10:22PM
Kandi seems so, nice and down to earth. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of her loved one. I pray for healing of your grieving heart and for AJ's family. From the show, He seemed so supportive and a real nice guy.
Peace and blessings to all.
Simply EL
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By: Dianne on 10/05/2009 2:05PM
Kandi and AJ's Family:
So very sorry for this unfortunate tragedy. My prayers are with you and AJ's family.
You are a class act -- keeping looking to the sky.
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