Tina Turner's oldest son, Craig Turner, was found dead inside his home in California on Tuesday, July 3. He was 59 years old.
According to reports, the police responded to his home in Studio City around midnight. He was pronounced dead on the spot after what the authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. An autopsy is still pending.
Tina and her representatives have not issued a statement as of this writing.
Tina Turner's Son Craig
Craig was the renowned singer-songwriter's firstborn child with her first husband, the saxophonist Raymond Hill. She was 18 years old when she conceived and gave birth to him.
In 1962, Craig was adopted by her second husband, Ike Turner of Kings of Rhythm. He was still in school when the "Proud Mary" singer left Ike after years of abuse.
At the time, Tina revealed that Craig served as her emotional support while enduring her ex-husband's physical battery. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the award-winning artist described her first-born as a "very emotional kid."
"He'd always look down in sadness," she said of Craig who was aware of the assaults. "One day, when Ike was fighting me, Craig knocked on the door and said, 'Mother, are you alright?' I thought, 'Oh, please, don't beat me at home.' I didn't want my children to hear."
Ike passed away in 2007 due to a drug overdose.
Prior to his suicide, Craig stayed away from the limelight and, instead, worked as a real estate agent in the San Francisco Valley, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was a member of The National Organization of Realtors and The California Association of Realtors.
His realtor profile described him as a man with "strong communication skills and dependable trusting nature."
Hours before news of Craig's suicide broke, Tina was spotted at the Giorgio Armani fashion show in Paris. She was photographed smiling on the red carpet alongside actress Roberta Armani. The renowned singer has been living in Switzerland with husband, music producer Erwin Bach, since 1994.
Fans Send Love, Condolences After Craig Turner's Suicide
Following the news of Craig's untimely passing, fans of Tina reached out to the singer through social media to offer their condolences.
Rip Craig Turner. Tina's firstborn son who has been reported of committing suicide today. May all our prayers go to Tina and the entire family️ pic.twitter.com/RYxS9SUMyc — Karolina.G35 (@Karolina3550000) July 3, 2018
Our thoughts, Prayers and condolences for Tina Turner who mourns the loss of her eldest child, Craig. — Johnnie Walker (@MsJohnnieWalker) July 3, 2018
Rip Craig Turner. So sorry for your loss Tina. Lets pray for his soul.@LoveTinaTurner pic.twitter.com/9R9zzREAHi — Tina Turner Online (@TinaTurnerNL) July 4, 2018
Saddened to read about the death of Tina Turner's oldest son, Craig, by suicide. What awful news for an elderly parent to receive. — MarcyJMiller (@MarcyJMiller) July 4, 2018
My deepest condolences to #TinaTurner and her family. Her eldest son, Craig Raymond Turner, sadly committed suicide today. pic.twitter.com/Cfj16MGR1d — Randolph Bush (@RandolphBush) July 4, 2018
Craig is survived by his mother, Tina, and his biological half-brother, Ronnie.
