US singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has announced that her 21-year-old son, Beckett Cypher, has died.
He’s one of two children she shares with former partner Julie Cypher.
The 58-year-old shared the tragic news on her official Twitter account, saying: “We’re sad to inform you that Melissa’s son Beckett passed away and there will not be a Concerts from Home show today.” Etheridge followed this with a statement in which she said her “heart is broken” after Beckett lost his battle with drug addiction.
She said in a statement: “Today I joined the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones to opioid addiction. “My son Beckett, who was just 21, struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it today. He will be missed by those who loved him, his family and friends.
“My heart is broken. I am grateful for those who have reached out with condolences and I feel their love and sincere grief. “We struggle with what else we could have done to save him, and in the end we know he is out of the pain now. “I will sing again, soon. It has always healed me.” This tweet of her was very emotional as the news she was going to break was very sad.
Etheridge and Julie Cypher had a daughter, Bailey Jean Cypher, in 1997. Beckett Cypher was born the following year.
The couple split in 2000. Etheridge, a 58-year-old Grammy winner, singer-songwriter and activist, also has 13-year-old twins. Melissa and Julie split in 2000 and Etheridge was formerly married to actor Lou Diamond-Phillips. She is now married to Linda Wallem.
Etheridge had been performing Facebook Live concerts and offering virtual guitar lessons during the coronavirus lockdown.
The devastated star has naturally put her planned remote appearances on hold as she deals with the loss of her beloved child. Celebrities have been swift to offer their condolences to the I’m The Only One and Come to my Window hitmaker.
Rosie O’Donnell tweeted: ‘no words #onlylove,”Oh my God oh my God No. Prayers and love to Melissa Rest In Peace dear Beckett,’ Rosanna Arquette wrote on Twitter.
George Takei shared: ‘My heart is heavy for Melissa Etheridge, whose son Beckett Cypher has died at the young age of 21. Nothing is harder than a parent losing their child. We are with you, Melissa.’