On Tuesday, Craig Raymond Turner, the eldest son of Tina Turner, died at the age of 59 of a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner, as it is reported today. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 12:30 PM, when his body was discovered inside his residence in Studio City, CA. Details are scarce at the moment, but here's what we know about the devastating situation for the Turner family.
According to E! News, Craig Raymond Turner was reportedly a real estate agent located around the San Fernando Valley, as confirmed by a Facebook account that they believe belonged to the late son, based on the account featuring several photos with Tina Turner. Craig was the older brother of actor Ronnie Turner, who is 57. Tina Turner gave birth to her oldest son when she was 18 years old. His birth father was Raymond Hill, a saxophonist, but his adopted father was Ike Turner, who married Craig's mother in 1962. Ike and Tina Turner met thanks to Raymond Hill, according to reports. Ike and Tina Turner famously shared a difficult relationship together before they were separated in 1978.
Tina Turner was reportedly last seen the Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture fashion show in Paris, which took place hours before Craig Turner's death. Craig Turner is survived by his mother and his half-brother. Ike Turner passed away ten years earlier due to a drug overdose. His biological father died in 1996, according to The Guardian. Tina Turner hasn't publicly responded to the death of her oldest son at the time of this writing. Ronnie Turner hasn't responded to the news publicly either. Tina Turner has reportedly not responded to multiple requests for comments from several different publications. We will respect their privacy during this difficult time. In 2005, Tina Turner told Oprah Winfrey that Craig Turner was "a very emotional kid" during her troubled marriage to Ike Turner.
This news comes at a difficult time for celebrity suicide awareness. Last month, beloved fashion designer Kate Spade and beloved food television personality Anthony Bourdain were both found dead due to apparent suicides. Additionally, Ahmed Best, the actor best known for playing Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, recently admitted that he contemplated suicide after the poor response to his most iconic performance.
Our sympathies are extended to the Turner family, as well as Craig Turner's friends and loved ones, during this difficult time. If you or someone you know have thoughts about suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, which is available 24/7 across the United States.
