Hall Of Famer Roy Jones Jr.’s Son Has Died By Suicide

Former boxer Roy Jones Jr.’s son, DeAndre, has died by suicide. Jones Jr., 55, announced the difficult news about his 32-year-old son on social media on June 24, 2024.

“Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life Saturday,” Jones wrote. “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. Please respect our privacy while my family and I process this loss,” he added.

Roy Jones Jr. is considered one of the best fighters of his generation. He won the world champion title across various weight classes. Nicknamed Captain Hook, Jones racked up 66 victories, 47 of them being knockouts. His career lasted from 1989 until 2023.

The ex-boxer and his wife, Natlyn Jones, met in the early 2000s and have been married for over 20 years. The couple has three sons together — Roy III and twins DeShaun and DeAndre.

“Being a father is really important to me, and it’s difficult because I’m gone a lot,” Jones told Jet Magazine in 2002. “But it’s kind of like, in essence, you expect that the father would be gone and doing stuff because he has to provide for home. I just have to be gone more than normal. Although that means home misses me more than normal, but they also get to enjoy a lot more than normal, too.”

Jones continued: “So it’s a sacrifice, but it’s worth the sacrifice for them, I think, because as long as I’m there when I do have time, it’s good. I really enjoy the fact that I can be a father.”

Although he retired in 2018, he fought in a boxing exhibition against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in 2020. He also recently put his boxing gloves back on in April 2023. According to ESPN, he lost in a match against former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis by a majority decision.

While Roy Jones Jr.’s son DeAndre is gone, he’s not forgotten. At this time, no other information is available regarding Jones’ son, DeAndre, or the family. 

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.