Melissa Etheridge's Fans Dismayed after Her Son Beckett's Tragic Death at 21
On Wednesday, Melisa Etheridge took to Twitter to reveal the sad news that her son had passed away. Many people, fans and celebrities alike, have responded to the news by sharing their condolences.
Etheridge, 58, mourned the death of her son, Beckett Cypher, in a Twitter post. She revealed how the 21-year-old had died from opioid addiction.
The singer-songwriter confessed how the young man had “struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it today.” She shared that he would be missed and revealed that she was heartbroken by the tragic news.
Bailey Cypher, Melissa Etheridge, Beckett Cypher, and Elizabeth Williamson at Etheridge's Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 27, 2011, in Hollywood, California | Photo: Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage/Getty Images
BECKETT WAS JULIE CYPHER’S KID
Beckett was Etheridge’s son with her former partner Julie Cypher. The singer’s loss was mourned by fans and other celebrities who were dismayed by the tragedy.
FANS OFFER CONDOLENCES
A fan offered the musician “prayers for you and your family” and asked Etheridge’s “higher power” to comfort her “during this difficult time.” A fan page called “EtheridgeNation,” shared how their hearts were broken for “Melissa, Linda, Bailey, Johnny Rose and Miller.”
MELISSA’S OTHER KIDS
Etheridge also has 13-year-old twins, son Miller Steven and daughter Johnnie Rose. The twins are from her relationship with her ex-wife Tammy Lynn Michaels.
We are holding you close in our hearts
“I AM DEVASTATED FOR HER”
Another fan mourned with the star writing: “All my love goes out to melissa etheridge for loosing [sic] her son RIP angel fly high.” Some else noted: “As a mother, I am devastated for her. So tragic. I’m so sorry.”
LOSING BECKETT SO YOUNG
Another follower was shocked about Beckett’s death and couldn’t believe how this had happened to “Such a young soul.” A social media user noted: “[We] are holding you close in our hearts.”
CELEBRITIES REACH OUT
“Star Trek” star George Takei also sent his condolences to Etheridge stating: “Nothing is harder than a parent losing their child. We are with you, Melissa.” Actress Rosie O’Donnell also reached out writing on Twitter:
“All my love to melissa etheridge on the loss of her beautiful boy beckett ... no words #onlylove”
BECKETT AND HIS SISTER
The "I'm the Only One" singer and Julie welcomed Beckett in 1998. They also share a daughter, Bailey Jean Cypher, 23, who was conceived in February 1997 using artificial insemination and a sperm donation from musician David Crosby.
MELISSA & JULIE’S SEPARATION
The couple went their separate ways in 2000. Beckett was also conceived the same way, with Julie being the carrier again.
DAVID CROSBY SPEAKS OUT
Crosby was forced to speak out after the death of his son when a fan claimed he had "no other part" in Beckett's life other than being a donor. The singer retweeted the comment and simply wrote: "Not true."
MELISSA’S BOND WITH SON
In the past, Etheridge revealed that she had a special bond with Beckett. When he was born, the musician opened up to “Parents” explaining how she found joy in welcoming him.
BRINGING A KID INTO THE WORLD
She stated at the time: "There's nothing like taking the responsibility or creating the responsibility of bringing a human being into this world.” The star noted, "It doesn't matter the equation that gets you there or what you are to that person,” adding:
“It doesn't matter at all. It is the bond between you and the child."