Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for LACMA
Regina King has confirmed the death of her 26-year-old son, Ian Alexander Jr. “Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian,” she said in a statement to Persons. “He is such a shining light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time. Thank you.” According to Persons, the king’s only son died by suicide. He turned 26 on January 19, two days before his death.
King shared her son with record producer Ian Alexander Sr., her ex-husband. Young Alexander was a DJ who performed under the name desduné. Last week, King promoted his son’s song “Green Eyes” to his followers on Instagram, posting a short clip and a link to the song on his bio. He was also a celebrity chef who told Flaunt Magazine in May 2021 that he hoped to turn his private dinners into a restaurant.
In 2017, King shared that she and her son had matching tattoos that said “unconditional love” in Aramaic. For her mother’s 50th birthday last year, she posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram. “Happy birthday to my co, so proud of you and inspired by your love, art, and gangsta!” he wrote. “To be able to see you take this life by the throat and make it your own is something I will always be grateful for. But having you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. Being all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable.”