UPDATED: 2:00 p.m. ET, Feb. 18, 2025
Originally published: Sept. 10, 2021
The world woke up to the tragic news Saturday morning that the only son of celebrated actress Regina King had died by suicide just a few days after his 26th birthday and less than a week after his mother’s.
Ian Alexander Jr.’s death was confirmed by his mother in an emotional statement that underscored the deep bond between the two, PEOPLE reported.
MORE: Suicide Rates Are Soaring For Black People During The Pandemic. Here’s What You Can Do To Help
“Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian,” King said. “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.”
King previously described her love for her son as “unconditional” and called being his mother “most fulfilling.”
Alexander, a DJ who performed under the name Desduné, offered a moving birthday tribute to King via an Instagram post a little more than a year ago that said in part having her as a mother “is the greatest gift I could ask for.”
The circumstances and details surrounding Alexander Jr.’s suicide were not immediately available.
However, his death draws attention to a rising trend of Black people taking their own lives. While overall statistics point to Black people typically having among the lowest suicide rates, new data shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed those numbers for the worst.
Whether it’s due to mental illness, stress, feelings of hopelessness or any of the multiple other reasons why people commit suicide, it is something that affects folks from all walks of life. Keep reading to find a list of notable Black people who have died by suicide.
Data provided by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center show that from 2010 to 2019 — the most recent years statistics were available for — Black people in the U.S. had a suicide rate of 7.4%…
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