A daytime soap star shared some heartbreaking news over the holiday weekend about a personal tragedy.
Kristoff St. John, a staple on the Young and the Restless for more than 20 years, revealed his son Julian committed suicide on November 23. The actor and his ex-wife, Mia, described their son as the “light” of their lives.
Julian, 24, was a gifted artist and painter. He reportedly suffered from schizophrenia and endured bouts of “severe depression” since childhood.
You can check out some of Julian’s artwork here: The Art of Julian.
The full post announcing the news Julian’s death was shared by Kristoff’s ex-wife, Mia. It’s included below:
On November 23rd Kristoff St John and I lost our beautiful son, Julian St John. Our son was the light of our lives, an artist with a beautiful mind and spirit. He fought long and hard against an illness for which there is no cure. Unfortunately the pain became too great for him and I dare not say he lost the battle–he simply chose to set himself free. My fight for mental health will continue. They may not find a cure in my lifetime, but we can try and prevent the loss of another beautiful soul.
On Thanksgiving, Kristoff tweeted a Thanksgiving message to his followers. It included a subtle nod to his fallen son:
Even the most glorious sonrise, bursting with light, love, and life, must finally set…
From here to eternity.
Happy Thanksgiving Family— Kristoff St John (@kristoffstjohn1) November 27, 2014
Julian would have turned 25 on December 5.