The beauty and hair world has lost one of its favorite fixtures.

Titi Branch (right), the co-founder of the popular natural hair care line Miss Jessie’s, has died from an apparent suicide. NV magazine initially ran an obituary for Branch on their Facebook page, reporting the 45-year-old died from asphyxia.

According to the Washington Post:

Born June 10, 1969 Titi Cree Branch died on Dec. 4, 2014 in an apparent suicide due to asphyxia. She is survived by her parents, sister, nephew and many loving relatives. She also leaves behind Anthony Spadafora, her boyfriend and business partner in her last venture Maestro’s Classic, a line of beard care products.

A family friend confirmed the death, but not the claims of asphyxiation.

Miss Jessie’s, the natural hair care line brought to fruition by Titi and her sister Niko, opened their salon in Brooklyn in 2004. Since then, the company found major success, selling product at Target and other major retailers, and making Miss Jessie’s one of the first natural hair care products on the national market.

Her sister Niko and the official Twitter page for Miss Jessie’s sent out tweets following the tragic news:

Titi❤️ — Miko Branch (@MikoBranch) December 14, 2014

The family plans to release a full statement regarding Titi’s death later this week.

SOURCE: The Washington Post | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty