Legendary R&B singer Eddie Levert is mourning the heartbreaking loss of his youngest child, Ryan Levert, who sadly passed away at the tender age of 22. Ryan's death, confirmed by her cousin Carlysia Levert on December 22, has cast another shadow over the Levert family, who have already faced devastating losses with the deaths of Eddie's sons, Gerald and Sean.
Carlysia took to her Instagram to share photos of Ryan, expressing gratitude for the community's thoughts and prayers, and asking for extra love and support for her grandfather Eddie and grandmother. She wrote, "Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my family. Please send extra love up for my papa and nana." This heartfelt message reflects the family's unity amid their tragedy.
Reports indicate Ryan's battle with lupus, which is an autoimmune disease known to cause widespread inflammation and damage to the body. While the family has not officially confirmed lupus as the cause of death, it has been discussed within the family, and Ryan was known as a "lupus fighter" even listing it prominently on her social media profile.
Eddie Levert, who co-founded the iconic R&B group The O’Jays, has previously faced immense heartache with the loss of his two sons. Gerald, who also had significant success as part of the R&B duo LSG, passed away at the age of 40 back in 2006, followed by Sean, who died shortly after at 39. This pattern of loss has left deep scars on Eddie, who once described his struggle coming to terms with these tragedies.
Reflecting on past losses, Eddie recounted to The Plain Dealer, "I wish I could tell you I had a sense of why, but I don't. I still wonder: Was it something I did?" He acknowledged the changes he made to become a more caring father and friend, admitting to deep emotional pain but emphasizing the necessity of moving forward.
Despite their past heartaches, Eddie and his wife Raquel Capelton continued to share joyful moments with their family. Ryan, who often appeared alongside Eddie on the podcast "The Levert Opinion," was described by Carlysia as vibrant and loving, making the news of her loss even more painful.
Ryan's history with lupus has been portrayed as both courageous and tragic, and her recent attendance at events such as Lupus LA’s Hollywood Bag Ladies Luncheon speaks to her commitment to raising awareness about the disease. While many fans and fellow artists have begun sending condolences, the Levert family has requested privacy as they navigate this heart-wrenching situation.
The Levert family's losses resonate deeply within the community, and many are reflecting on the significant impact the Levert family has made over the years. Through the music of The O’Jays and the legacy of Gerald Levert, they have touched countless lives.
Currently, details surrounding Ryan's passing, including specifics about the circumstances or official statements from the family, remain scarce. The family understandably seeks time to mourn and process their loss. This sorrowful chapter adds to the narrative of Eddie Levert's life, deeply intertwined with music and marked by personal tragedy.
Ryan Levert's untimely passing is yet another chapter of grief for the Levert family, illustrating the strength and vulnerability of those who grieve remarkable losses. Eddie Levert's artistry and resilience serve as reminders of both the pain and hope inherent within the human experience.
Friends, fans, and fellow musicians are now coming together to support Eddie Levert, recognizing the depth of his struggles and the impact of his family's legacy. Many have turned to social media to share their condolences, stories, and memories, echoing the sentiment of loss felt across communities.
Ryan's death is a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, especially for families like the Leverts, who have weathered storms with dignity and grace. There is hope, though, as they draw strength from one another and their supporters during this incredibly trying time.
While the family is grieving, fans and supporters are encouraged to honor Ryan's memory by raising awareness about lupus and supporting research efforts aimed at combating the disease.
The Levert family, like many others facing similar heartaches, deserves time and space to find comfort amid sorrow. Their experiences remind us of the importance of empathy as we navigate our own challenges.