Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has confirmed that his son, DeAndre, tragically took his own life over the weekend.
Jones Jr, 55, issued a heartbreaking statement on social media in which he said how thankful he was to have spent the final night of DeAndre's life with him. DeAndre was understood to be 30 at the time of his passing.
"Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday," Jones Jr confirmed. "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.
"I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life. God gives it and God should be the one to take it away."
Along with brothers Roy III and DeShaun, DeAndre was the youngest of Jones Jr's three children who he shares with his wife, Natlyn. Jones Jr is considered one of the greatest fighters of his generation and was a world champion in multiple weight classes.
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He earned 66 victories over the course of a prestigious career, including 47 by knockout. Jones Jr first rose to prominence by winning a silver medal as an amateur at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
The Florida-born fighter was crowned middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight world champion over the course of his career. In 2003, Jones Jr became the first boxer to win both middleweight and heavyweight world titles for 106 years.
Tributes have been flooding in for Jones Jr and his family's loss. A family friend posted on X, formerly Twitter: "So sorry for your loss Roy. I have fond memories of playing pickup with DeAndre and DeShaun in your garage gym in pcola as well as at the rec at UWF. Always such nice people and so welcoming to even the most random folks like myself. Thinking of you and the rest of your family."
A fan said: "I'm so sorry for your loss. I also respect you for taking a moment to speak out against suicide when much of the population views it as a solution. It’s never the answer, and now pain is felt by those who love and cherish them. God will bring your family peace."
Another then added: "You were one of my favorite sports athletes growing up in the 90s and early 2000s. So we thank you for all the great moments in our childhood Roy. Apart of a lot of us. So a big prayer for you and your loved ones. May time heal your hearts some. Sorry for you loss.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can call Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org.
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