The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kandi Burruss is “heavy with grief” after the weekend beating death of her former fiance, Ashley “A.J.” Jewell, outside a local strip club.

On Friday night, Jewell, 34, died from “massive head injuries” sustained during a fight, which took place in the parking lot of a strip club he co-owned, The Associated Press reports.

“I am devastated by the loss of A.J.,” she said in a statement releassed Sunday. “His death comes on the heels of the death of my beloved Uncle Ralph and with both of them gone, my heart is heavy with grief.”

The loss came as a shock for Kandi, who spoke to A.J. just hours before his death.

“I had spoken to AJ two hours before I got the call that he was in the hospital,” she said. “Never in a thousand years did I think it was going to be the last time I heard his voice. He was taken way too soon. There are so many things that I should have said to him, wanted to say to him… But now it’s too late. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my family and friends — and that means my twitter and facebook friends as well — for the beautiful words of encouragement, prayers, and the sweet condolences. I make it through these difficult days because of you.”

The 33-year-old former Xscape singer-turned-reality-star is urging fans to recognize their loved ones while they still can.

“I know this is cliche but I urge everyone to treat each day as if it’s your last and tell that special someone you love them today,” Kandi said. “Don’t wait. It may be too late. Please pray for his children, his family and Riley – they too are grieving the loss of an incredible man, son, brother and father. I wish you all had gotten to know the AJ we all knew and loved.”