Tragic Loss: Ray Lewis’ Eldest Son Ray Passes Away at 28 – He Will Be Missed
Former NFL athlete Ray Lewis mourns the heartbreaking loss of his beloved eldest son, Ray, at the tender age of 28 As a retired linebacker and father of five from various relationships, his family and fans are left devastated May Ray's spirit guide and protect us all
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Former NFL star Ray Lewis’ eldest son, Ray Lewis III, has died. He was 28.
"RIP big brother, it's hard to believe I'm even writing these words," expressed Rahsaan Lewis on Thursday, June 15, confirming the unfortunate news of the passing of his elder sibling, a Miami resident. In a heartfelt tribute shared through Instagram Story, Rahsaan acknowledged his brother as a genuine angel and hoped that he had found peace, considering the immense pain he had been enduring. Expressing his profound sorrow, Rahsaan admitted that no words could adequately convey the depth of his grief.
He continued to express his deep affection, saying, "I love you, I love you, I love you. Your niece will miss you, but she will constantly hear stories about you. Please watch over all of us as our guardian. I promise to bring a smile to your face and make you proud."
Courtesy of Ray Lewis III/Instagram
Ray III, whose exact cause of death remains undisclosed, is survived by his father Ray, aged 48, his mother Tatyana McCall, and his five siblings: Rahsaan, Rayshad, Ralin, Diaymon, and Kaitlin. Despite their separation, the Hall of Fame linebacker and his former partner, McCall, aged 46, have maintained a co-parenting relationship for their three sons - Ray III, Rayshad, and Rahsaan. Additionally, Ray has three younger children from previous relationships.
During a September 2016 interview with Cigar Aficionado, the Dancing With the Stars alum expressed her unwavering commitment to her children, stating that she would never leave them under any circumstances. She emphasized the importance of being present for all the significant moments in their lives, such as birthdays, births, graduations, dance recitals, and football games. She also mentioned her determination to break the cycle of absent fathers, which she witnessed growing up. At the time of publication, neither the former Baltimore Ravens athlete nor McCall had publicly addressed the death of Ray III. However, Diaymon, her older brother Rahsaan, paid tribute to their late sibling in a heartfelt manner.
"I love you with all my heart, Brownie. You will forever hold the position of my first love and truly embody the essence of an extraordinary brother," expressed Diaymon in an Instagram Story tribute on Thursday. "You are the most authentic and gifted individual I have ever known. Take your time to rest, my dear, and I am relieved to know that you have found peace. Soar high, my angel."
In a separate post, she added, "I am not alright."
Ray III had a football career that followed in his father's footsteps, prior to his passing. He began as a running back at Lake Mary Prep High in Florida, then went on to play at the University of Miami, where his father had also played and won two Super Bowls. Afterward, Ray III transferred to Coastal Carolina and eventually Virginia Union. Coach Mark James of Virginia Union described Ray III as a remarkable young man who played with the spirit of a lion and was a valuable member of the Virginia Union family. He will forever be remembered as a Panther, and his family is wished well during this difficult time.
Ray III later went on to pursue a career in music with the release of his debut EP Now or Never.
