Legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr. shared a heartbreaking message on social media on Monday, revealing that his son had taken his own life.
“Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his own life on Saturday,” Jones Jr. wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful that God allowed me to come home on Friday night to spend the last night of my son's life with my family,” he said. The boxing champion went on to share his emotional thoughts with his 953,000 fans and followers. “I know a lot of people are going through a tough time right now, but it's not worth taking your own life,” he said.
Jones Jr. went on to talk a bit about the grief families struggle to overcome after the sudden and tragic loss of their children.
“God giveth and God shall taketh away,” he wrote in a short social media post.
And he asked to be given time to grieve.
“Please respect our privacy as my family and I navigate this loss. Thank you for your love and support,” he said in a statement.
According to the Mirror, DeAndre was the youngest of Jones Jr.'s three children.
BREAKING – Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. announced in a heartbreaking statement that his son, DeAndre, committed suicide on Saturday, saying “nobody deserves to take their own life.” pic.twitter.com/syyC9lSlVL
— Massivemack (@SchengenStory) June 24, 2024
The world champion boxer and his wife, Natlyn Jones Jr., did not release any further details about the circumstances of DeAndre's death.
Fans, friends and loved ones have taken to social media to share memories, condolences and pay tribute to the famous boxer's son.
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 8: Joe Calzaghe defeats Roy Jones Jr. by UD in a light heavyweight boxing match at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 8, 2008. This was Calzaghe's final professional fight. He retired with a professional record of 46-0. Both men will compete against each other. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)
Funeral arrangements have not been made public. (Related article: Mike Tyson and Bobby Brown help each other get through the grief of losing their children)
This story continues to develop and updates will be provided as they become available.
DeAndre was 32 at the time of his death.
