June 04, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

UPDATE: Hi-Five's Tony Thompson, 1975-2007

Julianne Shepherd

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Hi-Five singer found dead; cause unknown, family friend disputes speculation of drug overdose.

Singer Tony Thompson, of popular '90s R&B group Hi-Five, was found dead in his hometown of Waco, TX, Friday night. He was 31 years old. Thompson's body was discovered outside an East Waco apartment complex by security officers, according to the Waco Herald-Tribune. Reggie Reed, a family friend, had earlier reported Thompson may have passed from a drug overdose, but disputed reports that claimed an OD was the official cause. "I said only that there was speculation," Reed told the Herald-Tribune. The matter is still under investigation by Waco police, who have ordered an autopsy and categorized the death as "questionable." Thompson's family has said they will release a statement later this week. On Monday (June 4), a representative for the Waco Police Department told VIBE the status of death was still listed as "questionable," and would probably remain so until the return of toxicology reports, expected within six to 12 weeks. Also Monday (June 4), a statement was released on behalf of Zomba Label Group CEO Barry Weiss and the Jive Records staff: "Tony's musical and vocal talent far exceeded his age in years," the statement read. "His rich vocal tone and artistry were readily apparent even at the young age of 15, when we signed him at Jive. Above all, he was a good person. Our heart goes out to him and his family." Hi-Five piqued and went platinum with such hits as "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)," "I Can't Wait Another Minute" and "I Just Can't Handle It." Thompson released a solo album, Sexsational, in 1995. Though Hi-Five dissolved in the '90s, Thompson had reunited the group with four new members, who released The Return in 2005. Watch "I Can't Wait Another Minute":

Article tags: UPDATE, Hi-Five's, Tony, Thompson, 1975-2007 

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