Actress Regina King’s son, 26, dies by apparent suicide

By AFRO Staff

Renowned actress Regina King is mourning her son Ian Alexander Jr., who died by apparent suicide, according to a statement provided to People magazine. The family had celebrated Alexander’s 26th birthday on Jan. 19.

“Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian,” the 51-year-old entertainer said. “He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Thank you.”

He was King’s only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Alexander was a DJ and musician, who performed under the handle “Desduné,” according to his Instagram page. 

In a previous interview with People, the Academy Award winner called her son “an amazing young man” and her greatest source of pride—despite her growing list of accolades. And, while the path of single parenthood was not easy following her 2007 divorce, King said her love for her son was stronger than anything.

“You don’t know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you don’t have a child, you don’t know what that is. But when you experience it, it’s the most fulfilling ever. So, that is the greatest part about me. Being a mom to Ian,” she told CNN in 2011. 

Such was the bond between them that King often took her son to red carpet appearances, and the pair shared matching tattoos that read “unconditional love” in Aramaic, according to the People report.

King’s son also paid tribute to his mom on her birthday last year.

“Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something I will forever be grateful for. But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable.”

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