Regina King issues statement on the death of her son, Ian Alexander, Jr.
Alexander, 26, was the Golden Globe winner's only child
Aux News Alexander
Ian Alexander, Jr., a musician and DJ who was the son of actor and director Regina King, died this week, Variety reports. King issued a statement about her son’s death earlier this weekend, calling him “a bright light” who “cared so deeply about the happiness of others.” Alexander had just turned 26. Multiple outlets have reported that his death was a suicide.
Alexander was born in 1996; his father was King’s ex-husband, Ian Alexander, Sr. (The couple divorced in 2007.) Alexander performed music under the name Desduné, and had just released his most recent track, “Green Eyes,” a few weeks ago. He was also scheduled to play upcoming shows in Los Angeles. King recently shared the new song on her social media.
Alexander appeared on the red carpet at the Golden Globes with his mother back in 2019, when she was nominated for her acting work in both Seven Seconds and If Beale Street Could Talk. In the brief snippet, Alexander describes King as a “Super Mom” and expresses his joy at spending time with her. (Note: The clip also contains a moment in which King talks about how her Seven Seconds performance was informed by her own fear of losing her only child, so, yeah: Heartbreaking stuff today.)
Here’s the full statement from King:
“Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. 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.”
People notes that Alexander posted an effusive birthday message to his mother last year on Instagram, writing, “To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable. The whole marvel universe ain’t got shit on you, your the real superhero! Love you mom!”
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
19 Comments
good riddance to soft boiled eggs. GTFO my planet.
Yeah, that’d be it for me. I only have one child and if she passed, I don’t think I could go on. Unimaginable tragedy.
As an only child, the thought of my parents not being able to go on in the event of my death is terrifying and heartbreaking beyond words. Thank you for reminding me to have a conversation with them about finding meaning in life in that unlikely event.
See, antidepressants help.
same, though i have two, and it keeps me up at night in the cold sweats thinking about what i would do if i lost one.
I’ve got 3 kids, and I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be to lose any of them. Devastating beyond words.
Ditto. I couldn’t live after something like this, the memory would haunt me forever.
Same. The very thought panics me.God bless Ms. King. So very sorry for her loss.
The saddest Dear Abby letter I ever read was from a mother who’d lost her young only child. The child had died after a devasting illness and the mother had come to terms with that. What she wanted to know from Abby was if she was still a mother. Abbey replied that yes, she was the mother of an angel.
that sucks so much
No parent should have to bury a child, but when it’s suicide, it must be so much more painful even than that.
Also sad in this instance: During the CNN New Year’s Eve special last month, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen were cutting away to random celebrities all night to see how they were celebrating, and they cut to Regina King’s house, and she brought her son onscreen (and his boyfriend I think? she called his companion her ‘bonus son’) and they said how happy they were to be together celebrating as a family. Jusst so heartbreaking.
My heart broke due to this news. I also remember the NYE celebration when she and her son were interviewed. I felt the love and happiness between them. I understand he was mentally ill, but couldn’t he had surmised that this would wound her greatly? He was her only son and she loved him. I’m sure she had the funds for the resources to help him.
It was a very selfish act. I can’t imagine what she’s going through now.
When you’re in the place where suicide is a viable option you’re not thinking of others, and if you are your brain has convinced you that your loved ones will be better off without you
Good lord, that video. That’s heart wrenching.
my deepest condolences. so terribly sad.
I wish no parent had to go through this kind of tragedy. Words and sympathy won’t mean much to Regina now but I hope/wish she’ll overcome this grief and sorrow. Rest In Peace young one.
I adore Regina King. She’s so strong being able to write these words during such immense grief. I don’t think I could do the same.
The Boondocks revival is dooomed.