Regina King is mourning the loss of her son Ian Alexander, Jr., who died by suicide just days after he turned 26. His birthday was Wednesday.
“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,” King said in a statement Friday night to People magazine.
According to his Instagram page, Alexander worked as a musician and deejay, and used the stage name “Desduné.”
Related Story: André Leon Talley Dies – Fashion Icon and Former Vogue Creative Director Was 73
Alexander was King’s only child that she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. The two divorced in 2007.
King and her son were close. He frequently accompanied her to red carpet events and for the actress and director’s 50th birthday, he posted a tribute on Instagram in January 2021.
“Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta!” he wrote. “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.”
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) — or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
