Actress Regina King's son has died by suicide. Ian Alexander Jr. was the only child of Regina and her record producer ex-husband, Ian Alexander Sr. He was just 26 years old.
“Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian,” a statement shared by a King family spokesman said, according to the Associated Press. “He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others.”
The family asked for “respectful consideration during this private time.”
Ian had just turned 26 on January 19. He was known around Hollywood as a musician and DJ, and he often attended awards ceremonies alongside his famous mother. Most recently, the two appeared on CNN's New Year's Eve Live together and were interviewed by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
Regina and her son had a close relationship. It was one he spoke lovingly about back in 2019 at the Golden Globes. He told E! that his mother was "super mom," and said, "It’s really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with."
When Regina won her first Emmy in 2015 for American Crime, her son was by her side. She sweetly thanked him in her acceptance speech, saying she had the "best date." She also said that thanks to him, being a mother was her "greatest accomplishment."
Regina has since taken on so many amazing roles and has gone on to win several more Emmys. But she says that being a parent has always taken priority over acting. In 2015, she told Vulture about how important being a mom is to her.
“I’m not missing out on his life,” she said at the time, while also revealing that she and her son have matching tattoos in Aramaic.
Regina also won an Emmy for her role in Seven Seconds in 2018. In the poignant role, she played the mother of a Black teenager killed by a white police officer. Her son joined her on the red carpet, and she told E! that he "made her happier than anything in the whole world." She also said that the role was difficult to play because the very idea of losing a child was “terrifying.”
In the days before his death, Ian's social media seemed to reveal that he wasn't in a good place mentally. In his final tweet, he simply wrote, "I don’t think instagram is healthy for me."
No other information has been released about what led up to his death.
Many have sent loving sentiments to Regina since news of her son's death broke. “Praying for Regina King. She needs all the grace and light that can flow her way right now,” tweeted Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. Viola Davis and others also shared messages of love and healing.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
