R&B Icon Angie Stone Tragically Dies in Vehicle Accident

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Renowned R&B artist Angie Stone, celebrated for her contributions to music and her role in the all-female hip-hop group The Sequence, has died following a car accident early Saturday morning. She was 63 years old.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. as Stone was traveling back to Atlanta from Alabama. According to her longtime manager, Walter Millsap III, the vehicle, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, overturned on Interstate 65 before being struck by a large truck. Stone was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Alabama Highway Patrol reported that the crash took place approximately five miles south of Montgomery's city limits. Although Stone was tragically lost, the driver of the van and seven other passengers were transported to Baptist Medical Center for treatment, with their conditions yet to be disclosed. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing.

In a statement released by her family, Angie Stone's children expressed their shock and heartbreak over the news. They stated they were still processing the loss and described the situation as unimaginable. Millsap also conveyed his devastation at the unexpected tragedy, emphasizing that words could hardly express the depth of their sorrow.

On the day of her passing, Stone was slated to perform during the halftime show at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men's basketball championship game. In light of her death, CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber called for a moment of silence to honor her memory. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker expressed the organization's grief, highlighting how Stone's remarkable talent and passion inspired many.

Angie Stone, best known for her hit songs such as "Wish I Didn't Miss You" and "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," achieved significant success in the music industry. Her music resonated deeply within the R&B genre, particularly as neo-soul emerged in the early 2000s. Stone's influential tracks have left an indelible mark on the music landscape, and her album "Mahogany Soul" reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone was a trailblazer in the music industry, having co-founded The Sequence, the first all-female group signed to Sugar Hill Records, which paved the way for future female artists in hip-hop. The group's hit "Funk You Up" has been sampled by numerous notable artists, securing Stone's legacy in music history.

Following her early successes, Stone transitioned to a solo career, releasing several albums that showcased her powerful voice and songwriting skills. She also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "The Hot Chick" and "The Fighting Temptations," and performed on Broadway as Big Mama Morton in "Chicago." Additionally, she participated in reality television, featuring on shows like "Celebrity Fit Club" and "R&B Divas: Atlanta."

Stone's dedication to her craft and her journey through life, including overcoming personal health challenges, were testaments to her resilience and passion for music. She often spoke about the influence of her parents on her career and her desire to uplift and inspire her audience through her art.

As the music community mourns her passing, Angie Stone will be remembered not only for her musical achievements but also for her role as a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of artists.