The Heartbreaking Death Of Regina King's Son

Unimaginable tragedy struck Academy Award-winning actress Regina King on January 21, 2022 when her son, Ian Alexander Jr. (above), died from suicide on his 26th birthday, according to TMZ. He was King's only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr.

Ian Jr. was following in his father's footsteps with music, and was working as a DJ at the time of his death. In fact, one of his last social media posts touted an upcoming event at a Los Angeles nightclub called The Bardot. His Instagram post read, "It's been a minute but now we back at the jump off. Don't you want to say you supported desduné before the blowup?? So pullup this month!! performing live at Bardot on the 28th for @breakingsoundla Save a buck and buy tickets in advance at the link in my bio."

King released a heartbreaking statement after news of her son's death broke, asking for as much privacy as possible during this difficult time. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," King said (via People). "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."

Regina King, who got her showbiz start as a teen on the NBC sitcom "227," divorced Ian Alexander Sr. in 2007 after being married for nine years. At the time, she said that being a single parent was difficult, but also very worth it.

"You don't know what unconditional love is," King said (via People). "You may say you do, but if you don't have a child, you don't know what that is. When you experience it, it's the most fulfilling [thing] ever."

Ian Alexander Jr. seemed to feel just as much love for his mom, posting a warm and touching tribute to her on Instagram to celebrate her 50th birthday in 2021. "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," Alexander Jr. wrote. "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. The whole marvel universe ain't got s*** on you, (you're) the real superhero! Love you mom! This day and everyday YO DAY!!"

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.