Tina Turners Youngest Biological Son Died He Is Survived by His Wife and Two Kids

July 2024 · 6 minute read

Music icon Tina Turner is a mother of four sons but lost two of her biological kids. Turner revealed what may have contributed to the death of one of her sons years ago.

She posted on Twitter in July 2018 announcing the passing of her eldest child, Craig Raymond Turner, who took his own life. Tina shared a photo of her and her loved ones on a boat as she held a red rose and was about to throw it into the ocean. She revealed Craig was 59 years old when he passed.

Musicians Ike and Tina Turner pose for a portrait with their son and step-sons. From bottom left: Michael Turner, Ike Turner, Jr., Ike Turner, Craig Hill, and Ronnie Turner in 1972 ┃Source: Getty Images

"My saddest moment as a mother. On Thursday, July 19, 2018, I said my final goodbye to my son, Craig Raymond Turner, when I gathered with my family and friends to scatter his ashes off the coast of California," she tweeted.

Craig reportedly shot himself in Studio City, California. Nearly a year after he passed, his mom opened up about his tragic death, stating that she was still confused about why he ended his life. Tina shared his son had only begun working at his "new job and had found love."

Craig had told his mother about his new partner and how strongly he felt about her. He even planned to introduce them and was "happy" about his new job. Tina reiterated her statement about what could possibly have led to the demise of her son:

"I have no idea what pulled him down, except something that followed him with loneliness. [..] But [..]why didn't he call the new girlfriend that gave him the lift?"

The retired singer described Craig, who she welcomed in her teens with saxophonist Raymond Hill, as reserved and "very shy."

Craig once revealed that his mother was "strict," especially when she was "home" with them. They had to partake in domestic "chores," and she ensured they ate meals together. He divulged she made it her mission to be a hands-on parent because it brought her happiness.

Tina has another son, Ronnie Turner with her first husband, Ike Turner, whose two sons, Ike Jr., and Michael, Tina adopted when they wed in 1962. She divorced Ike Sr. in 1978.

Tina admitted that she did not "spend a lot of time" with her kids and that separation made her suffer. She acknowledged that they "needed more" of her attention.

Tina is married to her second husband, actor, and producer Erwin Bach, whom she wed in 2013. The couple has since relocated to Europe, leading Tina to leave all her sons behind.

In August 2018, one of her adopted sons, Ike Jr., disclosed that she had abandoned the family in the United States for her life in Europe. The music superstar brought him up from the age of two. That said, "She's the only mother I've ever known," said the musician.

He added the last time they were in contact was perhaps in the year 2000 and that it was less likely that his brothers had also managed to stay in touch with her.

On December 9, 2022, Tina revealed on Instagram that her youngest son, Ronnie, had died. The actress posted a black and white picture of herself with her eyes closed and captioned it:

"Ronnie, you left the world far too early. In sorrow, I close my eyes and think of you, my beloved son."

Police reportedly received a 911 call from someone who said Ronnie was outside their house and had trouble breathing. Shortly after, he stopped breathing altogether.

Paramedics arrived at the scene and found bystanders attempting CPR on the actor; unfortunately, they could not resuscitate him.

Ronnie sadly died at the scene, and information regarding the cause of his death is yet to be revealed. He previously experienced several health issues, including cancer.

Ronnie Is Survived by His Wife & Two Kids

Tina's life was documented in HBO's Max's documentary, "Tina," released in March 2021, and Ronnie did not feature in it. A month later, a source revealed the film failed to address Tina's fragile relationship with her sons.

A family insider disclosed that Ronnie, Tina's only biological child with Ike Sr. had watched the program four times. The source divulged he and his wife, Afida Turner, thought the biography was "well done."

Although they gave "credit" to his dad as a "successful" performer, the couple felt saddened that Ronnie was not a part of the documentary featuring his parents.

The said source speculated that the reason why Ronnie did not appear in the film was "because it was produced by Erwin."

On December 8, 2022, Afida paid tribute to her now-late beloved husband on Instagram, sharing a snapshot of him holding a microphone.

"My God, Ronnie Turner, a true angel, huge soul, highly spiritual. My husband, my best friend, my baby. [..] I did my best to the end; this time, I was not able to save you. [..] Rest in paradise." she penned.

The next day, Afida posted another photo of Ronnie with his dad Ike and dubbed her spouse "a terrific musician and bass player." The French musician recently shared a snap alongside Ronnie and expressed shock and deep "sadness" at his death.

Afida, who shares two children with Ronnie, shared a picture of him and his famous mother performing on stage and chose not to caption the image. Instead, she only shared a string of emojis, including angry faces and crying emojis.

The media personality also posted another throwback picture of Ronnie and his older brother, Craig, and stated the siblings are now reunited in death.

Tina Is a Grandmother of Two

The "What Up?" star and the California native had two children together, making Tina a grandmother of two grandkids. In May 2000, Tina's longtime makeup artist, Kevyn Aucoin, said the Grammy Award winner was still in shape and looked good regardless of how many kids or grandkids she had.

He revealed the American-Swiss native was busy trying to get everyone in shape but did not have a fitness routine herself because she had never worked out.

While not much has been reported about Tina's relationship with her grandchildren, she has been photographed with her sons on several occasions. On July 5, 2018, Afida posted a throwback photo featuring herself, her brother-in-law Craig, mother-in-law Tina (looking her best self), and her husband Ronnie, all beaming for the camera. She did not caption the post.

On June 4, 2019, Afida posted another picture of her, Tina, and Ronnie and revealed the trio was on vacation in the South of France. They were all pictured widely smiling at the camera while standing by the pool.

Afida has also shared images paying tribute to her brother-in-law after his passing. On July 24, 2018 she shared photos of her with Ronnie and Craig and wrote: "I did my best."

She also took to Twitter, tweeting he would forever be in her heart while expressing her love for him. The mother of two added he was a "great brother-in-law" who was kind to her and understood her.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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