Ashley Ross, the diminutive star known as Ms. Minnie on the Lifetime reality series “Little Women: Atlanta,” died Monday, April 27, following a car accident. She was 34.
Ross was seriously injured when the car she was in collided with another car near Old National Highway in Atlanta around 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, her publicist Liz Dixson confirmed to TheWrap. She died nearly 24 hours later at Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital.
Updated May 8: She had lost control of her vehicle before crashing, according to the police report obtained by TMZ. Ross’ car drove off the road briefly before colliding with the other vehicle, and TMZ reported that the report determined Ross to be responsible for the incident.
Dixon added that Ross had begun filming for “Little Women” but production had been halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms. Minnie gained an instant following after the launch of “Little Women: Atlanta” in 2016 and was a featured presence through all five seasons to date. The show, a spinoff of “Little Women: LA,” follows six women with dwarfism on the show and their struggle to break into Atlanta’s hip-hop and rap scene.
“Lifetime and the whole Little Women Family are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the sudden passing of Minnie Ross. 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,” Lifetime said in a statement to TheWrap.
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Tributes for Ms. Minnie soon poured in from other castmates.
Ross’s longtime costar Amanda Salinas shared an emotional tribute shortly after the news broke. “As I’m writing this I’m in tears I can’t believe it my Minnie !!!!” Amanda Salinas wrote on Instagram. “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,” Salinas captioned several photos of herself with Ross.
“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 and aunt . You were more than our best friend you were our big sister and still is !!!” she continued. “I still can’t believe this man why man why!!!! , I love you so much !!!! My heart is broken ??????’” Rest In Peace my love.”