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How did Nicole Hurst die? Justin Timberlake mourns death of former backup singer at age 39

Hurst was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple positive breast cancer in 2013, which later turned into Stage 3

Justin Timberlake has posted an emotional tribute for his former backup singer Nicole Hurst, who died recently. The 40-year-old singer took to Instagram to mourn the death of Hurst by sharing a number of video clips and pictures with her. He also called her “a beautiful soul”.

Hurst was 39 when she died earlier this week. The Texas native had toured the world with superstars like Kelly Clarkson and also sang at The White House. In her memory, Timberlake wrote on the social media platform, “My heart is so heavy. We lost a beautiful soul this week. Nicole lit up every room she walked into. On and off the stage she was a constant source of joy and positivity. Some things feel so unfair and we will never understand why they happen.”

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The ‘Friends With Benefits’ star added, “What I do know is that we were blessed to laugh with her, to travel with her, and to experience her infectious smile and love for a life filled with music. Nicole, it’s not enough to say that I am going to miss you dearly. Thank you for your light. I will do my best to carry that with me. I love you, my sister. Forever family and forever a TN Kid.”

How did Nicole Hurst die?

The cause of Hurst’s death is not known yet, but reports said that she was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple positive breast cancer in 2013. The disease subsequently turned into Stage 3. In 2015, she told ABC13 about her cancer. Hurst said, “I was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple positive breast cancer. I was um, I think one of my first thoughts was, am I going to die?”

At the time, she continued, “I had four months of chemo followed by my surgery which I had a mastectomy. Even while I was on chemotherapy my tumor doubled in size,” before adding that her cancer had developed into Stage 3. “I was in the bathroom on the floor like bawling my eyes out and I was like, 'I don't know why I'm going through this Lord but I trust you. I trust that you are going to get me through this.’ Mentally I told myself, you've got to get through this because you've got to get back on the road,” Hurst added.

The tragic news of her death was first shared by record producer Bryan-Michael Cox. He also took to Instagram and shared several pictures of the late singer and wrote, “I really still don’t have the words… Once they come, then I’ll do a proper tribute but right now I got nothing man. Rest well my friend. I hope you knew how loved you were, @nicolerhurst.”

Twitter was also filled with emotional messages mourning for Hurst. A user tweeted, “Nicole Hurst, Justin Timberlake's fans will always remember your beautiful, angelic voice. Rest in peace.” The second user stated, “Hearing about the passing of Nicole Hurst feels so wrong, what a shining star to see gone so soon. RIP.” “Rest in peace to @_NicoleHurst and incredible voice. a sweet spirit. an integral part of some of my fave moments and projects working in music,” the third added.