Regina King’s son, musician Ian Alexander Jr., dead at 26 – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

(CNN) — Actor and director Regina King’s son, Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide, his rep confirmed to CNN on Saturday.

He was 26 years old.

“Our family is devastated to the core of the loss of Ian. He is such a shining light who cared so deeply for the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time,” King said in a statement provided by his representative.

Alexander was a musician and DJ. He played the role of “Desduné”, according to his Instagram page. He had released a new single, “Green Eyes”, on January 7 and had performances scheduled in Los Angeles later that month.

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

King’s son paid tribute to his mother 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 life by the neck and make it yours is something I will be forever grateful for. having as a mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. Being all you are while still having the time to be there and love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable.

King opened up about the deep love she had for her son in a 2011 interview with CNN.

“I get emotional because my son is an amazing young man, and it took me being a mother to realize how amazing a woman is. [my mother] is,” King said. “You don’t know what unconditional love is. You can say yes, but if you don’t have children, you don’t know what it is. But when you experience it, it’s the most fulfilling there is. So that’s the biggest part of me. Being a mom to Ian.

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