Roy Jones Jr.’s son tragically took his own life
Roy Jones Jr has confirmed on social media that his son, DeAndre, took his own life over the weekend.
The 55-year-old boxing legend confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement on Monday, June 24, 2024.
The boxing legend’s statement read:
“Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday.
“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.”
DeAndre was the youngest of Jones Jr’s three children he had with wife Natlyn, understood to have been 30-years-old at his time of passing.
Roy Levesta Jones Jr held multiple world championships in four weight classes, including titles at middleweight, super middleweight, light-heavyweight, and heavyweight. He rose to prominence in the boxing world in the 1990s after winning silver as an amateur at the 1988 Olympics.
Jones Jr. from Florida earned 66 wins over the course of his prestigious career, including 47 by knockout.
He has now been in the corner as a coach for the likes of Brits Chris Eubank Jr. and Archie Sharp.
Last year he fought in a professional contest which ended in a points defeat against ex-UFC star Anthony Pettis, and he also fought fellow boxing legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition match in 2020.