Deon Derrico shared that his nephew died following a battle with Autoimmune Hepatitis.
Deon Derrico's family has suffered a tragic loss.
On Saturday, the Doubling Down with the Derricos star revealed that his nephew, Amani, died following a long battle with autoimmune hepatitis.
"My Family, friends, and fans….It is with great sadness that I #DEONDERRICO Announce the passing of my loving nephew Amani Barkley! Our family is devastated," the reality TV star wrote in an Instagram post. "Amani, as many of you know was the son of my late brother Christopher S. Turner, and Stacey Dickey, we met Amani, just two years ago as seen on @tlc’s Doubling Down With The DERRICOs, and you guys along with my family fell in love with him and in this short time we have built a bond with Amani, and merged our families forever!"
The post, which included a photo of Deon holding Amani's hand also had information regarding donations in lieu of flowers to the "Deon Derrico and Marian Derrico Foundation," with the proceeds going towards families for liver transplant and cancer patients.
"While GG and I are here in Detroit for the funeral, we will be updating you all with more details!" Deon's messaged continued. "We thank you all for your love and prayers and please know, although Amani, has transitioned over to JESUS, your prayers were answered as GODs will was done! We Thank You, Amen."
Following the news of Amani's death, Deon's ex-wife, Karen Derrico, took to Instagram to share a video filled with pictures of Amani spending time with their family -- which includes their 14 children.
"#theDerricos #AmaniB #GonetooSoon Rest well Amani! Thank you for all your texts, calls, DM’s, prayers, donations, and support! This is extremely devastating to our family, and we love each and everyone for all that has been done! ❤️❤️🙏🏾," read the post with a pic of Amani smiling with Deon, Karen and GG.
In June, a GoFundMe -- which raised over $17,000 -- was set up by Karen in Amani's honor. According to the crowdfunding site, Amani had been battling the autoimmune disease since he was 14 years old. As a result, he needed multiple liver transplants. Amani received a liver transplant on June 2, which the family believed to be successful. Unfortunately, his body rejected the organ and he underwent his third and final transplant on June 15.
Amani's suffered complications and passed away. In a Instagram Live on Saturday, Deon became emotional as he recounted his last moments with his nephew.
"He recognized me," he said through tears about making it from Las Vegas to Detroit to see him before his death. "He held my hand, he was very excited to see GG and I."
Deon also recounted the relationship Amani -- who had a 1-year-old son, Adonis-- had with his 14 children.
"I can't just grieve for myself, I'm grieving for my mother whose taking it very hard," he said. "I'm grieving for my children who are taking it very hard. Understand Amani was their first cousin and they were like siblings."
Amani was the son of Deon's late brother, Christopher S. Turner. In the fourth season of Doubling Down With the Derricos, the family met Amani for the first time after a DNA test confirmed that he was related to Deon and GG. Over the course of the season, the family's close bond and growing relationship was chronicled.
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