Cedric ‘Beastie’ Jones, who starred in the film Emancipation and was a boxer, died. He was 46 years old.
The death of the actor and athlete was confirmed by his boxing gym on Sunday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the founder of Beastie Boxing Gym, Cedric ‘Beastie’ Jones,” his company said in a statement posted on Instagram.
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Cedric Jones.
Cedric Jones/Instagram
“Cedric was a loving father, devoted husband, caring son, brother, community leader and incredible friend who inspired others,” the statement continued. “He sincerely wanted everyone to become the best version of themselves. It was a gift. Cedric has dedicated his life to helping people in and out of the gym.”
Jones is remembered as someone who “inspired and helped people achieve what they previously thought was impossible,” the statement said.
The post, which featured a photo of a smiling entrepreneur, ended by adding: “Thank you for building our community, Cedric. We will always miss you.”
According to information shared by his gym, Jones passed away on October 16.
After the news of his death, Emancipation director Antoine Fuqua expressed his condolences on social media.
“RIP to my good brother and friend. You were always the light in the room and on set,” he began on Instagram.
Fuqua’s tribute included a recording of Jones’ prayer.
“You will be missed and loved forever. MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE UNDER YOUR WINGS CHAMPION as you ascend to the Heavens. Dream team forever🙏🏿💪🏿✊🏿,” Fuqua continued.
Tribute to celebrities who died in 2023
During Jones’ prayer, he seemingly explained how he got the nickname “Beastie.”
“The beast in me is because of God in me,” said the actor.
He also expressed gratitude for his loved ones and his ability to help others.
“I thank you for my wife, I thank you for my children, I thank you for those who are positive individuals in my life,” he said. “I pray for growth, I pray for progress, I pray for strength, I pray that I can motivate and inspire people to be better – not only in the gym, but in life.”
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Barbie Jones and Cedric Jones.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Jones is survived by his wife Barbie Jones and their children Brooklyn, Braxton and Bryston. A GoFundMe has been set up to support his family.
The cause of death has not been made public.
Last week, his wife invited supporters to rally in his honor in a run from the Beastie Gym to the Manhattan Beach Pier. Those attending the Oct. 22 event were encouraged to wear black and white in solidarity with the Jones family.
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“I really can’t think about this. I will really miss you my friend. God, please protect his beautiful wife and family 🙏🏽,” Basketball women star Jennifer Williams wrote in the comments of Cedric’s latest Instagram post.
Except for the 2022 movie Emancipationstarring Will Smith, also starring Jones Terminal A list, Seven Magnificent, Southerner, Princess of the Order and Marshall County.
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Source: HIS Education