Keith Reed

#RichardWilliams watches daughter Venus compete in the Acura Classic at the La Costa Resort and Spa August 3, 2007 in Carlsbad, California. Williams’ grandson, Alphonse Williams, 21, died by an apparent #suicide on Feb. 3, in Las Vegas.

A nephew of tennis stars Venus and #SerenaWilliams has reportedly died by #suicide. Alphonse Williams died February 3 after having suffered a multitude of mental and physical health issues include #bipolardisorder and a rare condition known as #Peyronie’sDisease. He was 21.Williams lived in Las Vegas and was the grandson of the tennis icon’s father #RichardWilliams. Sabrina Williams, #RichardWilliams’ eldest daughter from his first marriage, was Alphonse’s mother. She told the British tabloid the Sun in an interview that they had no relationship to their famous relatives and that she knew her son had long struggled with his #mentalhealth, including a previous attempt to end his life.

From the Sun“I knew he was on loan and God called in that loan.”Sabrina, who lives in Las Vegas and shared a home with Alphonse and his elder brother Elijah, 23, only knew the devastating impact #Peyronie’sdisease can have on #mentalhealth after her son’s passing when she read about the condition online.Alphonse, who also had #bipolardisorder, felt like his life was over and is believed to have taken an overdose of unknown medication. His autopsy results are yet to be released.

#JamesDonaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

#RichardWilliams, who turned 80 on Feb. 14, is best known for coaching #Venus and #SerenaWilliams from tennis prodigies in Los Angeles to becoming decorated champions in the sport and global superstars off the court. He had been nearly omnipresent in the early stages of his daughters’ tennis careers but stepped back from his public presence in recent years.His story was chronicled in the 2021 movie ‘King Richard’, which starred #WillSmith, who received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Williams, and was executive produced by #SerenaWilliams.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/02/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-grandson-of-king-richard-williams-dies-by-apparent-suicide/