Ike Turner Jr., Grammy-Winning Son of Tina and Ike Turner, Passes Away at 67

Ike Turner Jr., the Grammy-winning son of music legends Tina and Ike Turner, has died at the age of 67, just one day after his birthday. His passing occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in a Los Angeles hospital. The news was confirmed by Tina Turner’s niece, Jacqueline Bullock, who stated that the cause of death was kidney failure. Bullock also revealed that Ike Jr. had been battling severe heart problems for several years and had suffered a stroke in early September. Jacqueline, who considered Ike Jr. more like a brother due to their shared upbringing, conveyed the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of support and requested privacy during this difficult time.

Born in 1958 to Ike Turner Sr. and Lorraine Taylor, Ike Jr. was later adopted by Tina Turner. His early life was immersed in the vibrant, yet often tumultuous, world of his parents’ flourishing music careers. Following Tina’s separation from Ike Sr., he briefly collaborated with her as a sound engineer before embarking on his own musical journey.

Ike Jr. frequently spoke about his complex family dynamics. In a 2018 interview with The Mail on Sunday, he candidly discussed his strained relationship with his famous mother, stating, “Tina raised me from the age of two. She’s the only mother I’ve ever known,” but added, “I haven’t talked to my mother since God knows when – probably around 2000. I don’t think any of my brothers have talked to her in a long time either.”

The interview offered a stark portrayal of the fractured relationships within the renowned family. Ike Jr. also provided insights into the lives of his siblings, including Ronald “Ronnie” Turner, Craig Turner, and Michael Turner. He mentioned that Ronnie was in good health and married to singer Afida Turner, while Craig was involved in real estate. Michael, he noted, resided in a convalescent home in Southern California, requiring medical support, and Ike Jr. had visited him frequently. When questioned about Tina’s involvement with Michael, Ike Jr. revealed, “No. All she does is send him money.”

Reflecting on his parents’ famously troubled marriage, Ike Jr. offered a nuanced perspective: “My mother and father had no more fights than the people next door to you. I think their problem was her mouth and his mouth – my father didn’t take [expletive] from nobody [sic].”

Ike Jr.’s later years were marked by significant personal challenges. He was arrested just two weeks before his mother’s death on charges of crack cocaine possession and tampering with evidence, according to a police report obtained by E! News. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Craig, who died by suicide in 2018, and Ronnie, who passed away in December 2022. His father, Ike Sr., died in December 2007. The legendary Tina Turner herself passed away in May 2023 at the age of 83, following multiple health issues including cancer, a stroke, and kidney failure.

Following the announcement of Ike Jr.’s death, Ronnie’s widow, Afida Turner, shared a poignant tribute on Instagram. “REST IN PEACE IKE JR : U WAS AMAZING BROTHER IN LAW I M GLAD I SPEAK WITH U ON A PHONE BEFORE U GONE LOVE U RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #iketurnerjr @ikeandtinaturner [sic],” she wrote. Ike Turner Jr.’s contributions to blues and soul music ensure his legacy lives on, reflecting both the artistic brilliance and the profound personal struggles associated with his family’s iconic name.