Devastating.

US actress Regina King has made a heartbreaking statement to confirm that her son has sadly passed away at only 26. Confirming the news to People, Regina wrote in a statement: "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. Thank you." Ian was Regina's only child, who she shared with her record producer ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr. Ian was like his father when it came to music, with Regina previously telling the publication that the DJ was "an amazing young man." While she has had huge success as an actor and director, she was always adamant that Ian was the one thing that brought her the most pride, and nothing was stronger than her love for her son. "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," she explained at the time. "When you experience it, it's the most fulfilling [thing] ever." Speaking about his mum on Instagram last year to celebrate her 50th birthday, the same love was felt as he wrote: "Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for. "But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable. The whole marvel universe ain't got s--- on you, your the real superhero! Love you mom! This day and everyday YO DAY!!" The mother and son also had matching tattoos that read "unconditional love".