Regina King's son Ian Alexander Jr. has died at the age of 26, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
"Our family is deeply devastated by the loss of Ian," King said in a statement obtained by THR on Friday evening. "She is such a bright light who has cared about the happiness of others so deeply. Our family asks for your respectful consideration during this private time. Thank you."
The cause of death was not given, but according to People, Ian died by suicide.
King shares Ian with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr. Ian, an artist and DJ, posted on Instagram just three days ago about an upcoming event in Bardot this month.
The If Beale Street Could Talk actress appeared close with her son, revealing in a 2017 interview on The View that the pair get tattoos. We were taking Kabbalah classes,” King said at the time. "They said, let's pick three [designs] and don't tell each other which one they are and whoever matches, is the one we're going to get tattooed — and we both chose unconditional love. "
A week ago, King urged his followers on Instagram to share a short clip in support of Ian's new track, "Green Eyes."
Ian paid tribute to King on his 50th birthday last year, writing on Instagram: "Being able to see you take this life by your neck and make it yours is something I will be forever grateful for. Being a mother is the biggest gift I can ask for."