Brian McKnight’s estranged son, Niko McKnight, passed away on Thursday, May 29, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 32 years old.
Brian’s brother, Claude McKnight, shared the sad news in a TikTok video on Friday, May 30. He captioned the post:
I’m devastated at my nephew’s passing. If you comment please do do in love, and NOT at what you may have heard about the relationship my brother had/has with his kids. Thank you.
Niko McKnight’s Family Remembers His Legacy
In the three-minute clip, Claude admitted that he wasn’t sure whether to post about Niko’s passing. “As the day wore on I realized, how could I not post about this?” he continued. “This morning I found out that my nephew Niko McNight passed away.”
Claude revealed that Niko has been “bravely battling cancer for the last two years or so.” He went on to explain that he doesn’t post the video to discuss the family drama that has been going on for quite a while.
So here’s the thing. I don’t know exactly what was going on there. I know what I’ve seen. I know what I’ve heard from all parties involved and I try not to judge. I just try to be as loving to each person as I can be because apparently there’s so much hurt going on â or was so much hurt going on that a lot of things didn’t get resolved.
Niko’s mother, Julie McKnight, also confirmed the sad news on her Instagram. In a statement, she described him as a “cherished husband, son, brother, grandson, uncle, and nephew whose warmth, laughter, and love touched the lives of all who knew him.”
The family is asking for “privacy and continued prayers” as they face this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Brian has yet to break his silence on his son’s death. In April 2024, the “One Last Cry” singer called his four eldest kids a “product of sin.”
“In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity â even if that evil and negativity is related [to you],” the R&B singer said in an Instagram video.
Tributes Pour In For Niko McKnight
Meanwhile, tributes poured in on social media, celebrating Niko’s life. One wrote on X, “The world came to absolutely love Niko. He was a bright light in this world! May he fly high and find the peace and comfort he did not receive in this realm.”
Another commented, “You are not in pain anymore. You are no longer suffering. Rest In Peace with God,” while another said, “Niko was brave & faced all like a KING, he’s left an example for us all.”
Meanwhile, some couldn’t help but express their opinion about the ongoing family drama. One pointed out, “Idc what happened you donât disown your babies. You donât let them die without you being there. RIP Niko.”
Another wrote, “Cancer grew from sadness and bitterness about his father. God please receive Nikoâs spirit back to you,” while another noted, “When the uncle has to post it speaks volumes.”
Niko is survived by his wife, siblings, and other extended family members.
The post R&B Singer’s Son Dies At 32 – Tributes Pour In appeared first on EntertainmentNow.