Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. revealed on Monday, June 24, that his son, DeAndre, had died by suicide. Jones expressed gratitude toward God for the final hours he had with his son and encouraged people that, despite how difficult life might be, nothing is worth ending it.
“Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday,” said Jones in a social media post Monday afternoon. “I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come 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,” he continued. “God gives it and God should be the one to take it away.”
— Roy Jones Jr. (@RealRoyJonesJr) June 24, 2024
Roy Jones Jr. Asks for Privacy
Roy Jones Jr., 55, was born on Jan. 16, 1969. He has won world titles in four different weight divisions and became the second light heavyweight boxer in history to win a heavyweight title, as well as the first middleweight champion in 106 years to do so. Jones has a record of 66-10, which includes 47 knockouts.
Before turning pro in 1989, Jones represented the United States in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, where he won a silver medal. The award was the result of a highly controversial decision from the judges, and many agree that Jones should have won gold.
For a period of time in the 1990s, Jones was “widely considered the best boxer of his generation,” according to Brittanica, which notes that Jones “was quickly recognized as a unique talent—an extremely skillful boxer with great speed, exceptionally quick reflexes, and the ability to put his punches together in seamless combinations.” He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022. Jones is also a rap artist and has appeared in various TV shows and films.
Roy Jones Jr. is married to Natlyn, and together they have three children: Roy Jones III and DeShaun and DeAndre, who were twins. DeAndre was 32 at the time of his passing. Jones concluded his post, “Please respect our privacy while my family and I process this loss. Thank you for the love and support.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
