AceShowbiz - Verdine White, one of the founding members of Earth, Wind & Fire, is mourning the loss of his niece. The bassist announced that Hemeya R. "Mimi" White, the daughter of his late brother and bandmate Maurice White, has suddenly passed away.

Verdine broke the sad news on social media. Along with throwback pictures of Mimi, he wrote on Instagram on Monday, May 23, "Broken hearted Rest in heaven beautiful niece Mimi White, eldest child of my legendary brother Maurice White."

"You are loved and missed!" the 70-year-old added in the caption. "Now you're with your dad in heaven, and always in our hearts." He didn't reveal the cause of death, but lamented her passing with the hashtag "#gonetoosoon." He also bid his farewell to his niece as he concluded his caption, "Until we meet again!"

Verdine shared the same news via Facebook. "Our family is broken hearted and saddened by the sudden loss of our beautiful precious niece, Maurice's eldest child Hameya 'Mimi' White. She now joins him in heaven, may they both rest in eternal peace and power!" read his message on the social media platform, which was reposted on Maurice's official Facebook account.

He continued, "We treasure the beautiful times we had together, In our thoughts and hearts forever! We thank you all for you prayers blessings and condolences. Missing you baby girl. Gone Too Soon!"

Fans and friends have since expressed their condolences in the comment section. Musician Nathan East wrote, "Sincere condolences from the East family," while actress Holly Robinson Peete left several broken heart emojis.

Mimi was the eldest child of legendary musician Maurice, who was the founder, leader, main songwriter and producer of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, and served as the band's co-lead singer with Philip Bailey. He also had two sons, Kahbran and Eden. He died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home from the effects of Parkinson's disease on February 4, 2016. He was 74 years old.