Hall of Fame boxing great Roy Jones Jr. has announced that his son, DeAndre, took his own life on Saturday. Jones confirmed the news on Monday via a statement on various social media platforms.

"Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday," Jones' statement read. "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. Thank you for the love and support."

DeAndre was one of the boxing legend's three children, including twin DeShaun and younger brother Roy III, who grew up during the height of Jones' illustrious boxing career. Considered among the greatest pound-for-pound contenders ever, Jones was named the Boxing Writers Association of America's "Fighter of the Decade" for the 1990s and held world championships at four different weight classes, ranging from middleweight to heavyweight.

However, Jones was intentional about not forcing his children into the fighting lifestyle, and DeAndre spent much of his life pursuing a passion for music. In his teenage years, he formed an aspiring pop group entitled "3D," a reference to the alliterative first names of himself, DeShaun and second cousin Dyllon, that performed before his father's 2008 fight with Joe Calzaghe at Madison Square Garden. More recently, DeAndre released an August 2023 single with Jones and artist SM BULLET entitled "Never Turn My Back."

“We take our responsibility as role models very seriously," DeAndre previously said about his music group. "Many young people don’t have positive examples to follow at home like we do, so we hope to bring something new and positive to the table that can influence others in a good way. We like to keep our music fun and clean so that everyone across the world at any age can enjoy our music."

Jones' social media statement includes a call for strength for those enduring "tough times," a continued point of advocacy for the retired boxer. The 55-year-old Florida native has spoken previously about his battles with mental health that he previously considered ending his own life.

"Yes it's true," Jones told the Daily Mail. "It was because of the pressure from my father, I thought if I got to take this, I'm gonna be dead, but then I talked to God and said, "Well, if I'm doing it, because this is how you want me to be, you want me to succeed at something, but it's part of the process then I got to stay and keep up.'"

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.