Boxing Legend Roy Jones Jr. Announces Death of Son DeAndre at 32

In a heartfelt and tragic announcement, boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. shared the devastating news of his son DeAndre’s death at the age of 32. On Monday, June 24, Jones, 55, took to social media to inform the public about his son’s passing, stating, “Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday.” The former boxing champion expressed his gratitude for having spent time with DeAndre the night before his death, saying, “I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come home Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family.”

Jones’ statement was filled with a profound sense of loss and a plea for awareness. He emphasized the importance of life, urging others to see that “nothing is worth taking your own life. God gives it and God should be the one to take it away.” He also asked fans and the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve, expressing appreciation for the love and support they have received.

DeAndre’s tragic death highlights the pervasive issue of mental health struggles and the heartbreaking reality of suicide. Just weeks after professional golfer Grayson Murray’s suicide, DeAndre’s passing serves as another stark reminder that mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, socioeconomic status, or professional achievements.

Roy Jones Jr. No Stranger to Overcoming Adversity

Roy Jones Jr., a boxing icon known for his incredible achievements in the sport, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. He captured titles in multiple weight divisions. He was also the first middleweight champion in 106 years to win the heavyweight title when he defeated John Ruiz for the WBA title in 2003. Jones retired in 2018 with an impressive record of 66-9, including 47 knockouts, and is celebrated as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his era.

Despite his success in the ring, Jones now faces one of the toughest challenges of his life: coping with the loss of his son. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for open and honest conversations about mental health and the importance of seeking help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing a crisis, resources are available. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by chatting live at 988lifeline.org. Mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health, and there is no shame in seeking help.

In times of crisis, facilities like BryLin Hospital offer essential support. BryLin provides crisis mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults, with specialized programming to meet the needs of individuals struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Their dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing compassionate care and effective treatment options.

Let us break the stigma surrounding mental illness. By normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging one another to seek help when needed, we can support those in crisis and potentially save lives.