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Regina King’s Only Son Ian Alexander Jr. Dies by Suicide

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He took his own life on his birthday.

Ian Alexander Jr. committed suicide on Wednesday, the day he turned 26 , according to police officials. In a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, Oscar-winner Regina King confirmed the tragic news.

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

“Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian,” the statement read. “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.”

Ian celebrated his 26th birthday just a few days ago. In the hours leading up to his death, he had made a number of disturbing postings on his social media sites that seemed to show his mental health battle.

“You know that episode of SpongeBob where they go inside his brain and it’s a bunch of mini spongebobs just losing their s–t…..yea that one really hits home,” the aspiring DJ who went by ‘desdune’ tweeted.

Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.
During the terrible loss of her son whom she shared with ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr., King got love and support from her celebrity friends.

“I’m so sorry to hear about Ian. Please know that I am here for u @iamreginaking. Sending all my love, prayers and condolences,” Janet Jackson wrote alongside a picture of Regina and Ian on Instagram.

“Sending prayers and condolences to @iamreginaking and her family in their time of loss! Lift them up y’all!!!” wrote Octavia Spencer beside a photo of the mother and son.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Reactions to Regina King’s Only Son Ian Alexander Jr. Dies by Suicide

Suicide is so scary. When my brother did it I couldn’t believe it. Even trying to heal as a family — is hard to resonate that a person— your person, wanted everything to end. Praying for Regina King. Losing a child is tragic , but to suicide is even worse.#SurvivorsRemorse

@StinaKilla

I am praying for Regina King because no parent should have to bury their child and he was only 26 years old 💔

@freakymarko

I’m the daughter of an only child, who is an only child, & who has an only child. I can’t even imagine the devastation the King family is grappling with right now. May they find the peace & strength they need to get through this. Sending sincere thoughts to Regina King & family.

@GodisRivera

RIP to Ian Alexander Jr and prayers to Regina King!!

@JrWorldOfSoul

I’m so devastated to hear about Regina King’s son. The suicide rate for Black male youth is up approximately 70% over the last decade. If you are having suicidal thoughts please seek out help. Free, confidential, 24/7. 1-800-273-8255.

@notcapnamerica

R.I.P Ian Alexander, Jr. & Our Hearts Goes Out To #reginaking & #family 🙏🏽

@DMVHEAT1

God please cover Regina King.

@MyEgoMadeMeDoIt

We all love Regina King, she’s been a source of light and inspiration to all of us for years now. I’m praying for her and her family during this difficult time and I hope she is able to take as much time as she needs to process this tragedy and heal.

@BlackGirICinema