Mob Wives sensation Angela "Big Ang" Raiola has died aged 55, after a battle with stage 4 brain and lung cancer. The extravagant reality TV star – whose uncle, the late Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi – was a captain of the Genovese crime family, was famous for her outlandish appearances on Mob Wives and her own spin-off, Big Ang.

Raiola was surrounded by her family at a Manhattan hospital when she died. In a statement, Vinnie Medugno, a close friend, said: "It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3.01am Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home. She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and closest friends."

He added: "YOU, (Her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely. In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say 'Love you my babies! You lived by your own mantra. I will love you, cherish you, and hold you in my heart wherever I go, and whatever I do."

Big Ang
Mob Wives star Big Ang has died at the age of 55 after a cancer battle Robin Marchant/Getty Images
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