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Regina King’s only son Ian Alexander Jr. died by suicide just days after his 26th birthday.

King told People: “Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. 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.”

Alexander’s father was King’s ex-husband and record producer Ian Alexander Sr.

Inspired by his father’s musical career, Ian was a DJ. He had a promising career in music, and King supported him through every step.

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 04: Regina King and Ian Alexander Jr.

In 2007, King divorced Ian’s father after 9 years of marriage. She then focused on her career and being a single parent, and even though it was not easy, she emphasized that the love for her son was stronger. She explained to People that, “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.”

Regina King, Ian Alexander Jr and Ian Alexander during Down to Earth Premiere, 2001. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)

Regina King and her son shared a beautiful relationship with matching tattoos that read “unconditional love” in Aramaic. Regina told The View in 2017, that the inspiration came from the Kabbalah classes the two were taking together.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: (L-R) Regina King, wearing Gucci, and Ian Alexander Jr.

Let’s keep Regina King and her family in our prayers during this unforeseen difficult time.

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