Tragic News: Brian McKnight’s Estranged Son Niko Passes Away at 32
Niko McKnight, the 32-year-old son of renowned R&B singer Brian McKnight, has sadly passed away two years after being diagnosed with cancer. The news was revealed by Brian’s brother, Claude McKnight, in a heartfelt TikTok video on Friday, May 30.
According to People, Claude McKnight spoke about Niko’s legacy and addressed the "family drama" that has surrounded Brian McKnight and his children in the past. In the three-minute TikTok video, Claude expressed his devastation at his nephew’s passing, saying, "I’m devastated at my nephews’ 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." (People, 2024)
Claude went on to describe Niko as "one of those amazing kids who was quirky and curious and ridiculously talented. Amazing singer and amazing guitar player. Had a great eye as a photographer and just one of those kids that at least in my estimation of somebody you always wanted to be around and so it really sucks that he’s no longer with us." (People, 2024)
The People report also stated that Niko had been bravely battling cancer for two years. In January 2024, Niko shared on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with cancer, writing, "everyone’s been asking – here we go… your boy got the big C • it’s been one hell of a ride so far but things are looking better now than they were before so cheers to that." He also expressed his gratitude to his loved ones, particularly his wife, Phoenixelbow, for supporting him throughout his illness. (People, 2024)
Brian McKnight has been open about his complicated relationship with his eldest children, including Niko, in the past. In 2019, he noted that he had "been there for my children every step of the way until recently," clarifying, "I’m not abandoning them. We’re estranged." (People, 2019)
In April 2023, Brian McKnight made headlines after calling his four eldest children, including Niko, a "product of sin." He stated, "In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity — even if that evil and negativity is related [to you]." (People, 2023)
Niko, whose mother is Brian’s ex-wife Julie McKnight, was a talented singer, guitarist, and photographer. Growing up, he and his older brother Brian Jr. made public appearances alongside their father and performed with him as part of the group MCKNIGHT.
Claude McKnight’s TikTok video concluded with a message of love and uplift for his late nephew, saying, "I may have contributed to what happened with him. What I do know is he’s out of pain now. So I can rejoice in the fact that he no longer has to go through chemo and the radiation and everything else. I just want to uplift that young man and say we will see him again one day. I love you Niko." (People, 2024)
The news of Niko’s passing has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and fellow artists paying tribute to his memory. As reported by People, Niko’s legacy will live on through his music, photography, and the countless lives he touched during his time on this earth.
Source: People – Brian McKnight’s Estranged Son Niko Dead at 32 After Cancer Diagnosis
