The last image of Regina King’s son, Ian Alexander Jr., shows him celebrating New Year with his mum and a friend just weeks before his tragic suicide.
Hollywood star Regina, 51, was devastated last week when her son, Ian, took his own life at the age of 26.
Regina – who has starred in films including Jerry Maguire and Ray and shared her son with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr – appeared on CNN’s Cooper and Cohen's New Year's Eve show alongside her son as they run in 2022 together.
They were joined by a man called Brandon who Regina branded her “bonus son” and were interviewed by show hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
During the interview, King said: “Twenty years, we're all together, this whole family of people are together because of these two [Ian and Brandon] and their lives together that brought us together.
“And we drink in the spirit of inclusivity too.”
Ian was also shown raising a glass to drinks company Diageo who he praised for operating: “in the spirit of progress”.
Screen grabs of the tender moment have circulated on social media following the tragic death of Ian Jr – who took his life last Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Regina confirmed the tragic news on Saturday, explaining that the family were grieving his suicide.
The spokesperson told People: “Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian.
“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.”
In the days before his death, Ian shared troubling updates about his outlook on life via social media.
He tweeted: “You know that episode of SpongeBob where they go inside his brain and it's a bunch of mini spongebobs just losing their s**t…..yea that one really hits home.”
He also said in a separate statement: “I don't think Instagram is healthy for me.”
The DJ had previously explained his pride at his mother – who won an Oscar in 2019 for her role in If Beale Street Could Talk.
Attending the Golden Globes during the 2018 film’s awards success, Ian had said: “She's just a super mom. She doesn't really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have.
“It's really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with.”
While Regina – who was married to Ian’s father between 1997 and 2007 – had previously expressed her love for her son in an interview with Essence magazine.
She said: "I get emotional because my son is an amazing young man, and it took me to be a mother for me to realize how incredible of a woman she (my mother) is.
"You don’t know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you don’t have a child, you don’t know what that is.
"But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever. So, that is the greatest part about me. Being a mom to Ian."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
