Kandi Burruss “Devastated” Over The Death Of Fiance

Reality star says loss comes as a shock

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kandi Burruss has spoken out following the shocking death of her fiance Ashley Jewell after a fight outside of an Atlanta strip club on Friday night.

"I am devastated by the loss of AJ," she said in a statement to Access Hollywood. "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."

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And the loss came as a shock – she'd talked to him just hours before the fatal incident.

"I had spoken to AJ two hours before I got the call that he was in the hospital," she said. "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. 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."

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The reality star further urged fans to recognize their loved ones while they still can.

"I know this is cliche but I urge everyone to treat each day as if it's your last and tell that special someone you love them today," she said. "Don't wait. It may be too late. Please pray for his children, his family and Riley - they too are grieving the loss of an incredible man, son, brother and father. I wish you all had gotten to know the AJ we all knew and loved."

According to The Associated Press, a suspect, Frederick Richardson, was charged on Saturday with voluntary manslaughter in Ashley's death. Ashley reportedly died from "massive head injuries" suffered in a brawl outside of Atlanta's Body Tap Club.

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While Kandi described the couple as being "on hiatus" to Essence in September, a rep for the star described the pair as "engaged to be married" in a statement to Access on Saturday.

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