Brian McKnight's Estranged Son Niko Dead at 32

Brian McKnight's extended family is mourning a tragic loss.

The R&B singer's estranged son Cole Nikolas "Niko" McKnight has died. He was 32. He passed away more than a year after revealing he was battling cancer.

Niko's mom—Brian's ex—and other family members shared the news of his death May 30.

"It is with profound sadness that Julie McKnight and family announce the passing of her beloved son Cole Nikolas McKnight, affectionately known as 'Niko' on Thursday, May 29, 2025," read a post on his mom's Instagram. "Nikolas was a cherished husband, son, brother, grandson, uncle, and nephew whose warmth, laughter, and love touched the lives of all who knew him."

"Nikolas was a self taught artist of music and photography," the message continued. "His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family and all those who held him dear. Julie McKnight has asked for privacy and continued prayers as the family navigates this incredibly difficult time. Mama Bear and the entire family appreciate the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the public."

In addition to his family members, Niko is also survived by his wife, Carla, who had supported him amid his cancer journey.

"Your boy got the big C," he had shared on Instagram January 2024, alongside a photo of himself in the hospital. "It’s beeen one hell of a ride so far but things are looking better now than they were before so cheers to that. shout out to everyone in my corner and a super shoutout to my wife @phoenixelbow for saving my life (that’s a story for another day)."

His uncle Claude McKnight—one of Brian's two brothers—noted in his own tribute to Niko that his nephew had "been bravely battling cancer for the last two years or so."

"Niko was one of those amazing kids who was quirky and curious and ridiculously talented," he said in a May 30 TikTok video. "Amazing singer and amazing guitar player. Had a great eye as a photographer. And just one of those kids that, at least in my estimation, was somebody you always wanted to be around. So it really sucks that he's no longer with us."

Brian has not commented publicly about the death of Niko. "The One Last Cry" singer has been estranged for years from him, his and Julia's son Brian McKnight Jr., and kids Briana McKnight and Clyde McKnight.

In 2019, he responded to rumors about his relationship with his eldest children.

"I'm not abandoning them," he said in a YouTube video. "We are estranged."

Then in April 2024, Brian drew more controversy by calling his eldest children a "product of sin" in an Instagram comment. Following the backlash, he said in an Instagram video, "In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity, even if that evil and negativity is related." Niko then responded, "I'm evil??? That's wild."

Brian has not responded to Niko's online remarks.

The singer has suffered the loss of a child before. His and wife Leilani's son Kekoa Matteo died in infancy in 2022. The two are also parents to son Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr, 2, and adult children, Jack and Julia, from her prior relationship.