By Marisa Laudadio
3:17am PST, Jan 24, 2022
_
On Jan. 21, 2022, Oscar and Emmy winner Regina King shared tragic news: Her only child, son Ian Alexander Jr., has died by suicide at 26. "Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian," the actress — who welcomed Ian, a DJ, with former husband Ian Alexander Sr., a record executive, in 1996 — said in a statement. "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." Many of Regina's Hollywood friends and fans took to social media to send their love and support in the face of her heartbreak.
Keep reading to see what they've been saying…
If you're having a mental health crisis or are struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
RELATED: Stars who lost children in 2021
_
"I'm so sorry to hear about Ian. Please know that I am here for u @iamreginaking. Sending all my love, prayers and condolences" –Janet Jackson
RELATED: Stars who lost children in 2020
_
"I am lifting and holding you up. LOVE you @ReginaKing and I am so sorry" –Viola Davis
RELATED: Stars we lost in 2022
_
"Sending prayers and condolences to @iamreginaking and her family in their time of loss! Lift them up y'all!!!" –Octavia Spencer
_
"I met Ian at @sherrieshepherd'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." –Loni Love, who posted this selfie with Ian on Twitter on Jan. 22, 2022
_
"My heart breaks for you @ReginaKing Ian was sweet & kind" –Garcelle Beauvais
_
"Praying for my friend, Regina, her sister Reina, Ian Sr and all of Ian's friends We miss and love you, Ian" –Holly Robinson Peete
_
"Had the pleasure of meeting Ian a couple of years ago… he was so kind. Rest in peace." –Ireland Baldwin, who posted a photo of herself with Ian Alexander Jr. behind the turntables at a party
_
"[My wife] Cookie and I are heartbroken for our friend Regina King after hearing the news of her son Ian's passing. We're praying for Regina, Ian's father Ian Sr., and all of his loved ones!" –Magic Johnson
_
"Friends Please join me in a prayer for @ReginaKing. She is pure light, and all love. Her kindness knows no bounds. And for a heart like hers to have lost her son? I cannot imagine the grief. Lift her up in whatever way you may. Sending love, and deepest condolences." –Sophia Bush
_
"My heart hurts for Regina King and her family. God please watch over them." –Kid Cudi
_
"HEARTBREAKING. Sending my sincerest and deepest condolences to @iamreginaking and her family." –Cynthia Bailey
_
"I am absolutely heartbroken for @ReginaKing. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts." –Marlee Matlin
_
"Nothing but prayers tonight" –Jackée Harry
_
"PRAYERS for Regina King family & Ian Alexander Sr. family Dear LORD give them STRENGTH during this time" –Missy Elliott
_
"so very sorry!!! Prayers Prayers Prayers!!!!!!" –DL Hughley
_
"My love, my prayers, my thoughts, my everything go out to @ReginaKing and her family tonight. My heart breaks. Sending you nothing but light." –Josh Gad
_
"Sending love light and prayers to Regina king and her family" –Rosanna Arquette
