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Shocked Stars Share Heartwarming Words Following Regina King’s Family Tragedy
Hollywood stars are mourning the tragic death of Ian Alexander Jr., Regina King’s only child. Ian turned 26 on Wednesday.
“Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian,” King, 51, said in a statement sent to PEOPLE. “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 shared Ian with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr., 65.
Following news of the young man’s death, the internet exploded with messages from fans. They heartily wished King strength in what must be a dark time for her and her family.
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Stars Also Joined In, Sharing Their Condolences And Prayers.
“HEARTBREAKING. Sending my sincerest and deepest condolences to Regina King and her family,” the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Cynthia Bailey captioned a photograph of King and Ian on a red carpet. “My prayers are with you.”
“My love, my prayers, my thoughts, my everything go out to Regina King and her family tonight. My heart breaks. Sending you nothing but light,” said Josh Gad on Twitter.
Loni Love, who has met King’s son, wrote: “Love you Regina King…” alongside three praying hand emojis. She later shared another follow-up message, sweetly remembering her encounter with Ian. “I met Ian at Sherri Shepherd’s birthday bash.. he catered the event. Cooked and served all the food and it was delicious!!!! Such a sweet and talented young man… Rest In Peace.”
Other stars who shared their thoughts and prayers are the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Garcelle Beauvais, Marlee Martin, who starred alongside King in the 1999 TV movie “Where the Truth Lies”, and DL Hughley.
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King’s “227″ costar Jackée Harry also acknowledged the tragedy, even though she didn’t mention any names. The star tweeted on Saturday, Jan. 22, writing: “Nothing but prayers tonight.”
In a statement, Harry, 65, added: “Like everyone, I am completely stunned and overwhelmed with sadness. The only peace I can find in this is knowing that Regina has a strong group of family and friends propping her up. That’s what we can do for her – surround her with an abundance of love.”
What King Says About Her “Amazing” Son Ian
Like his father, Ian was musically inclined and became a DJ. In a prior interview with PEOPLE, King called him “an amazing young man.“
King separated from Ian’s father in 2007, after nine years of marriage. She later admitted that being a single parent wasn’t always easy, but added that nothing was stronger than the love she has for her son.
“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,” she explained. “When you experience it, it’s the most fulfilling [thing] ever.”
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