Academy Award-winning American actress Regina King's son Ian Alexander Jr. died by suicide on Wednesday. He was 26. Regina issued a statement to PEOPLE saying, "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian." She added, "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, who recently celebrated his 26th birthday, was Regina's only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. Following his father's footsteps, Ian too became a disc jockey. 

An actor and director, Regina had earlier told PEOPLE that Ian was "an amazing young man," adding that he made her feel proud. She had admitted at the time that it was no easy task being a single parent after she separated from her husband in 2007, but said that her love for her son is incomparable. She stated, "You don't know what unconditional love is. 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." The news of Ian's passing has left many in Hollywood in shock, with several celebrities expressing their condolences. Singer-actress posted a photo of Regina with Ian on Instagram and wrote, "I’m so sorry to hear about Ian. Please know that I am here for u @iamreginaking. Sending all my love, prayers and condolences." Octavia Spencer too shared a picture of the mother-son duo with the caption, "Sending prayers and condolences to @iamreginaking and her family in their time of loss! Lift them up y’all!!!"

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Regina King won an Oscar Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in If Beale Street Could Talk in 2018. She has also garnered acclaim for her roles in Boondocks, Jerry Maguire, Southland, and American Crime, including the dystopian superhero limited series Watchmen. Regina also turned to film-making and made her directorial debut with the critically-acclaimed film, One Night in Miami, in 2020.