Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes obituary

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

Lisa Lopes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 25, 2002.
Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, born on May 27, 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away on Apr 25, 2002 in La Ceiba, Honduras.

Obituary

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) – Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, of the Grammy-winning trio TLC, had spent the past month in Honduras working on a multitude of projects – a clothing line, a new solo project and a book about her colorful, sometimes troubled life.

But she died before she was able to write the final chapter. The singer, who would have turned 31 next month, was killed as she was driving on a Honduran road, said her publicist Jay Marose.

Seven other people, including Lopes' brother and sister, were in the Mitsubishi Montero sports utility vehicle when the crash happened near Jutiapa, 150 miles north of Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital.

"The car rolled for reasons that we still don't know, and that are being investigated," police spokesman Luis Aguilar said.

Lopes was killed instantly; her body is being flown back to her hometown in Atlanta. Several other people in the car were taken to a hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.

TLC members Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, said they were devastated by the death. The group had recently been working on the follow-up to their Grammy-winning, triple-platinum disc "Fanmail," released in 1999.

"We are sisters, we had been together for more than 10 years," Watkins said Friday in a tearful phone interview with MTV's "Total Request Live."

The Atlanta-based R&B group is the best-selling female group in history in terms of album sales, having sold 21 million. The Supremes are the top all-female group in terms of No. 1 hits, garnering 12 compared with TLC's four.

TLC's hits included the No. 1 smashes "Waterfalls," "No Scrubs" and "Creep." Their songs often delivered a message of female empowerment, with sassy, sexy lyrics. But they also addressed more serious topics, such as the dangers of AIDS in "Waterfalls" and unrealistic beauty expectations in "Unpretty."

The group made its debut in 1992 with the disc "Ooooooh ... On the TLC Tip!" Their unique sound, which paired Watkins and Thomas' vocals with Philadelphia-born Lopes' fast-paced, squeaky-voiced rhymes, along with their baggy wardrobe with condoms attached, made them an immediate sensation.

Lopes' nickname came from her habit of replacing one lens of her glasses with a condom during performances,

In 1994, the band returned with "CrazySexyCool" – Lopes was dubbed the "crazy" member of the group, Thomas the "sexy" one and Watkins the "cool" one. The quadruple platinum album saw the women abandon their sometimes gimmicky image to evolve into a critically acclaimed group. The disc won them the first two of their four Grammy Awards, among the many trophies they would collect over the course of their careers.

Lopes also helped start the group Blaque, an R&B trio who had the hit "Bring It Home To Me."

But with success came enough turmoil to fill a VH1 "Behind the Music" special. The trio declared bankruptcy a few years ago, citing poorly structured recording contracts. Watkins was hospitalized several times, suffering from sickle cell anemia.

In 1994, Lopes pleaded guilty to arson in a fire that destroyed the million-dollar mansion of her boyfriend, former Atlanta Falcons receiver Andre Rison. Lopes was sentenced to a halfway house and five years' probation, plus a $10,000 fine.

Lopes admitted she started the fire after an argument with Rison. The two later broke up, only to reunite and break up again. Last year, they announced plans to marry, but they were not dating when she died, said Marose.

Rison did not immediately release a statement, but his attorney, Max Richardson, said: "They were very close. They had talked about getting things back together again. I don't know whether anything formal had been set, but they cared for each other greatly. It's just a sad day."

The group also had its own infighting. After the release of the triple-platinum disc "Fanmail," Lopes hinted she might leave the group, and later challenged Watkins and Thomas to put out solo albums, and let fans determine who was the most popular group member. But her own solo album, "Supernova," was shelved last year when radio stations showed little interest.

TLC had been on hiatus, but had recently been in the studio working on a new record due to have been released this year. Marose said the group was able to put its differences behind them.

"Their relationship, I think like any long term relationship, had hit a rough patch which was pretty public," he said. "(But) I think this next record was going to the best thing they ever did ... They had all settled back in and were really working together with this next record, and the music was really spectacular."

In the past few months, Lopes signed a solo deal with Suge Knight's Tha Row label to put out another solo project under the pseudonym, N.I.N.A. (New Identity Not Applicable).

Marose said she was working on several projects in Honduras, including a clothing line and a book that would include her personal journals and poetry.

Lopes' manager flew to Honduras to bring her body home, her record label, Arista Records, said. She is survived by her mother, and her younger brother and sister.


Copyright © 2002 The Associated Press

Sign Lisa Lopes's Guest Book

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October 23, 2024

Coraline Patterson posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2024

Deb Center posted to the memorial.

April 30, 2024

S. A. posted to the memorial.

1486 Entries

Coraline Patterson

October 23, 2024

RIP LISA YOU ARE STILL FOREVER MISSED!

Deb Center

June 12, 2024

TLC was an incredible Trio singing some of the best music. I loved their look and mostly the talent that each one brought to the table. I loved their CrazySexyCool
CD and still listen to it now. I think Lisa had so much more to do and to give to this crazy world and it's incredibly sad she's gone. Rest in Paradise

S. A.

April 30, 2024

As I sit in my bedroom watching TLC Forever I can´t think of what it was like being a super fan of the group. Then BOOM you DOB pops up. Now I see why I liked you a little more is because we´re ARIES sisters. Me March 24th and you March 27th. RIH Left "Eye"

TeeWandra Michelle Jackson

April 9, 2024

Fly high superstar! We love what you brought to the world of hip hop!

Mikirya jones

December 24, 2023

I was 2 years old when she died but I grow up watching and learning about the TLC female group and she was a beautiful woman and soul RIP left eye

August 13, 2023

Genius

Melvin Hodges

July 31, 2023

Miss Lisa Left Eye Lopes omg I fell in love with TLC when I heard some friends walking down the school hallway singing baby baby. Baby I said who sings that the said the new girl group TLCafter school my grandma pick to go the store man I rush to the magazine section and BAM RIGHT MY FACE I SEEN THESE YOUNG LADIES WITH BRIGHT NEON COLOR CLOTHES ON I SAID OH YEAH THIS MY NEW LOOK man I miss your fast rapping silly self I visit ur grave with my cuzz and took pictures I just want to say I love n miss u continue to rest

Cartier Clark

July 20, 2023

Left Eye, I love your music as always and TLC. A lot. You have an best, fantastic true artist of your ideas and dreams to the world. R.I.P.

Cartier Clark

June 26, 2023

Left Eye, I still and always miss you. A lot. You have an best, fantastic true artist of your ideas and dreams to the world. R.I.P.

Brandy Hernandez

June 9, 2023

You were truly an artiest and believed in helping others as being a role models for the young community on safe sex. You will always be here with us in our hearts in the next journey in life. R.I.P

Ebony Jones

June 4, 2023

Rest in paradise Left Eye.You are truly missed and was one of my favorites in the group.Such a beautiful soul taken way too soon, continue to rest .

Dennis Winship

May 29, 2023

She will be missed she was my favorite singer. Dennis Winship Lynn,Massachusetts

Bob Lindbeck

August 8, 2021

Miss you Lise,may you rest in peace

Kay Marie

June 12, 2021

I love you and miss you so much beautiful. Your style and personality will live on forever. TLC will FOREVER be one of my faves.❤... Rest well sweet lady!

RIP

June 6, 2021

❤ u

RIP left eye

June 6, 2021

we love you left eye

Daniel hixson

April 29, 2021

Didn't now the date of her death but had a dream about her on the day of her death weird gonna miss her

shantavious slater

April 13, 2021

We love u and miss u

tahniah roy

November 26, 2020

you will always be in my heart and never forgotten

SHAMIYA CARTER

November 16, 2020

I LOVE YOU LISA I'M ONLY 11 I SAW I RAINBOW Yesterday.

what about your friends.

November 16, 2020

Im 11 i love TLC my fav is Lisa left eye we have the same things that,s going on in our life i wish i was born in the 90s for my 15th bday im haveing a tlc party i love you lisa

haleigh smedley

September 20, 2020

Ill miss you you are more than just a rapper you are my queen , the queen of rap , my birthday twin i just still cant believe your gone I will forever miss you

aiyonna cruz

April 27, 2020

God bless you left eye you are an angel and will always be fly high queen R❤I❤P!!!!-love aiyonna

Justin

April 27, 2020

18 years later and it still feels like I heard yesterday about your passing. Lisa you were more than just an entertainer or rapper. To me you were a pioneer a warrior a soldier and freedom writer. You stood unapologetically firm in your beliefs about wanting to help people. Your not here in the physical but your presence is ever present. Continue to rest Queen ❤ Your job here on earth is done

April 25, 2020

R.I.P.

Louis Ross

January 4, 2020

God bless

Pamela Gaines

September 11, 2019

Its been 17 years and I still play your music just to hear your voice. Miss you Baby girl continue to rest peacefully in Gods Paradise

Haniya Terrell

August 28, 2019

I'm 16 years old, I love TLC I'm at school listening to them right now and her part is playing in my ear. Fly High Left Eye

Ashley Leonards

April 27, 2019

I remember grown up listening to you
Your music very ambitious
unique gifted intelligent look your picture listen music all time know resting peacefully never be forgotten

Martha Hazard-Small

April 21, 2019

Never Forgotten.

L

December 30, 2018

Oh Lisa I miss your music so much! RIP. Youre truly missed.

Alexandria Mason

November 19, 2018

I really miss the great quality music you gave us. Continue to harmonize in Heaven dear Angel

Brandlyn

October 3, 2018

Rest in Love

Lindsey

September 6, 2018

Miss your music. RIP

Shawn Dixon

June 20, 2018

Rip

Chriss Robinson

April 15, 2018

We miss you Lisa ♥

April 3, 2018

In loving memory of a wonderful lengend . We will love you and miss you always.

Jowanna Cheatham

January 26, 2018

Thanx for your creativity Rest in peace sis ur part of TLC for ever

Amari Mason

January 25, 2018

I was born in 2006 but I heard both you and TLC's music and I loved it I'm so sad your gone... To Lisa's family I'm so sorry for your loss

solomon williams

January 24, 2018

Lisa 2018 I still miss u never forget we meet in Atlanta a hard time for u. If I had to help u again I would RIP my love she u one day in heaven. Solomon Williams Arista Records

Adrianna Gladding

November 27, 2017

Very sad you died the way you did.You will continue to inspire people even if your not here.Your raps are the only ones that make sense if you really think about it.I love you Left Eye

Joshua Bloomer

August 14, 2017

Thank you for the inspiration to write from my heart!
I Love you always

Tantanisha Spencer

July 21, 2017

R.I.H Beautiful

John Cole

July 14, 2017

U were a beautiful woman here on earth and we know u the same in heaven .rest in peace Beautiful.

Gustavia Wilson

July 14, 2017

Continue to R.I.P. Angel

July 14, 2017

Continue to R.I.P. Angel

Roxsand Bebbs

June 18, 2017

Rip Left Eye.

Walter James

June 11, 2017

We will never forget you, I often listen to the son Ladies night/ little kim, where you outshine everyone in the video.

Stephanie V

May 28, 2017

Miss you girl! I love your music gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN

Gloria Keene

May 5, 2017

Love You girl!! My son video taped you going into a store in South zst in Phila! He said Heyyy Left eye and you said heyyy! Its ironic that he died at the end of the same year you did... My Gemini little sister... Do your thing wherever you are and kiss Dr Sebi for us!

Andrea

April 29, 2017

To the Lopes Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss,
I know that it has been many years since her death nonetheless you have my sympathies and condolences.
May the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts during this time.

Mrs. K. Jackson

April 25, 2017

It's hard to believe that years grave gone by since that tragic accident. The family can take comfort in learning that our loved ones will be given an opportunity to live on earth under perfect conditions without having to die. That was and still is God's purpose for the earth.

Barbara Nelson

April 24, 2017

Rest In Peace Dear Angel

Sheila majors

April 10, 2017

You were loved here on earth ,But God has a wonderful plan for You elsewhere

February 23, 2017

Miss u wit all my ❤...luv u sooo much you were truly amazing performer love you music Rest in paradise love you much

NOT APPLICABLE N/A

February 12, 2017

You're not forgotten !! You've inspired me to get cleansed and drink my sea moss daily! You've also inspired me to continue to
Keep
Going no
Matter how difficult it
May seem.....
I'll keep going .....
I love you girl!

Kate Okoro

February 2, 2017

Rest in perfect peace Lisa

December 19, 2016

rest easy left eye

cece howard

December 18, 2016

lisa u are the best mc ive ever heard even though u died before my birth u will be missed

December 9, 2016

You are truly missed rest in peace lisa

Brianna

November 28, 2016

After all of these years without you, it still isn't the same. Only wish you were still here Lisa. You always seemed to tell it how it is and now would be a good time for some Left Eye wisdom.
Thank you Lisa for your music and passion.

Garrison Nottage

November 25, 2016

Continue to rest in peace lisa

joe

November 22, 2016

Rest in Paradise !! Missing you endlessly

Hayliey Daniels

October 11, 2016

MY CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO THE LOPES FAMILY I'AM A HUGE FAN OF TLC I HAVE ALL OF TLC'S ALBUMS I'VE BEEN LISTENING TO TLC SINCE I WAS SIX YEARS OLD MY FAVORITE TLC SONGS ARE DAMAGED WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS AIN'T 2 PROUD BEG AND HAT 2 DA THE BACK LISA ''LEFT EYE LOPES WAS THE BEST RAPPER AND SHE WAS PRETTY WHEN SHE WAS LITTLE I MISS YOU LISA 'LEFTEYE LOPES REST IN PEACE LISA NICOLE LOPES AKA LEFTEYE BEAUTIFUL ANGEL TO ONE THE GREATEST FEMALE RAPPERS OF ALL TIME. rest in peace lisa''lefteye Nicole lopes.

anecia johnson

October 6, 2016

rip lisa lopes & we misses u & we love u so much and u were a angel

anecia johnson

October 6, 2016

rip left eye and we misses u so much &we love u

Anecia Johnson (conyers ga)

Stephanie Thomas

October 4, 2016

R.i.p you will always remembered and foreved missed

Laura Maule

September 23, 2016

I really enjoyed her music. Can't believe it's been 14 years since her death. May she always rest in peace. Love u Left Eye.

Kayla McKnight

August 21, 2016

I miss you and I love you you were awesome you will aways be remembered.

Melissa Avila

August 17, 2016

We love u angel...

Kenneth Johnson

July 24, 2016

RIP left eye

Shamonica Cuff

July 21, 2016

I love you Lisa. Music is not the same without you. You were a rare breed and no one will ever replace you. You made my childhood a great one. I miss you. R.I.P.

Alice Lewis

July 18, 2016

Miss u so much miss the sisters. Singing

Alice Lewis

July 18, 2016

Dear sweet lisa i never met you but you and your sister's were beautiful love the music miss you. So much

Valenda Newell

July 13, 2016

GONE TOO SOON......NEVER FORGOTTEN!

May 29, 2016

Be as 1 and know u are ok

May 29, 2016

Rip

May 28, 2016

genea marzett

Corey Ellis

May 21, 2016

Miss you forever!

May 13, 2016

We miss you

Rod Frazier

May 8, 2016

Lisa you were such a beautiful person inside and out I hope you are up there handling your business sweet girl love you forever a fan. Rod
From Dayton Oh.

Deb Calloway

May 1, 2016

You were truly a blessing

charlene pimpleton

April 26, 2016

Hilisa u was amazing awesome i was little when all was togther i was born 1992 i remembered all sing love your song u will allaway be play u and u will away be tlc we love miss aka life eye

Nicole Robinson

April 26, 2016

Rest In Peace Lisa, wish I met u

Morgan Filmore

April 25, 2016

You will forever be missed Lisa. The spirit you had, more of us should have. Let your light continue to shine bright, because no one could ever fill your shoes. Missing you always.....Today we dont mourn you, but celebrate the joy you brought.

maria

April 4, 2016

U were awesome girl ,r.I.p Lisa lopes

March 24, 2016

love u lisa nobody can do what u can ur one of a kind

Javon washington

March 23, 2016

We love you baby girl dreams hopes aspiration will only come in true believe in your self the rest is up to you rip baby girl

Ashley

March 18, 2016

Rip babygirl

Kayla London

March 7, 2016

" Left Eye No One Can Replace You Your Skills And Your Rythm, We Miss You, Rest In Peace, We Love You.
Sincerly,
Kayla London

Deborah moore

March 4, 2016

Rest in peace left eye we miss you

sal ortes

February 22, 2016

Girl u are the best miss you xoxoxo

February 20, 2016

For ever loved.

diamond jones

February 20, 2016

Rest in heaven

Dwayne Brown

February 9, 2016

Waterfalls : dreams and hopeless aspirations in hopes of coming true believe in yourself the rest is up to me and you.

Debbie spinks

February 7, 2016

Still remember,love lisa I'll always be a fan of her,tlc. She was beautiful creative smart with lots of insight my thoughts,sympathy still goes out to her family.

Showing 1 - 100 of 1,486 results

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Sign Lisa Lopes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 23, 2024

Coraline Patterson posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2024

Deb Center posted to the memorial.

April 30, 2024

S. A. posted to the memorial.