By: Maria Williams
On the evening of August 19, 2024, law enforcement contacted Bonét with heartbreaking news. They told her that her son had been injured, but further details would need to be conveyed in person. During the call, they could only confirm that he was hurt but still alive. Unfortunately, when the detectives arrived, they delivered the tragic news that her son had passed away while being taken to the hospital. Later that evening, the details of the unfortunate incident were shared with his parents but remained private from the media to respect the family’s wishes. Known as the artist Rene Bonét, she generally keeps her life private, so many were surprised to discover that, in addition to being a successful singer- songwriter, she is also a devoted mother.
On August 20, 2024, the beloved singer-songwriter shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, which has since been taken down. It read, “Yesterday, someone took my son’s life. If I don’t respond, please know it’s not personal; I’m not okay.” This devastating news spread across social media, prompting a tremendous wave of love and support from fans worldwide. The artist known for “Nights Like This” rose to fame with her viral cover of “Before I Let You Go,” which captured the attention of R&B legend Teddy Riley. After her initial post, she chose to remain quiet. Later that week, her management team at Novelty Publishing Group issued a moving statement: “A few days ago, Rene Bonét experienced the tragic loss of her son. We kindly request that her and her family’s privacy be respected during this time, giving her the space to grieve in peace.” They also announced that all upcoming performances and engagements would be delayed.
Since that tragic announcement, various news and social media outlets have contacted Bonét’s label and management team for updates. However, they have consistently chosen not to comment on the matter, opting to withhold any information regarding her child’s heartbreaking death. From her initial message on August 20, 2024, we can only conclude that he was killed, rather than having succumbed to illness or natural causes. It remains unclear whether foul play is suspected at this point, leaving many questions unresolved. Meanwhile, Rene has largely remained silent, offering only a few personal glimpses into her life on her Instagram stories—one of which showcased a treasured video of her son dancing, accompanied by the poignant caption “Mommy Misses You.” In that now-deleted video, the child appeared to be between 5 and 8 years old, exuding joy and innocence. This is the only information we have about the child’s age, and there’s no way to determine how recent the video actually is. The lack of clarity heightens the community’s sorrow, as fans and loved ones come together to support her during this incredibly challenging time.
In another instagram story post she shared a picture with balloons floating into the sky, this is likely to be taken from a memorial service. The singer has separated herself from social media, with her last recorded post being from earlier this year around May or June which is shortly after E News announced that she had secured a major deal with SRG/ILS, Virgin Music and Universal Music Group
We offer our deepest condolences to Rene Bonét and her family during this unimaginably painful time, as the loss of a child is a profound sorrow that no one should ever have to face. Currently, no additional details have been shared about the circumstances surrounding her son’s tragic death, nor has any information regarding his age been disclosed. This silence only deepens the sadness experienced by those who care for her, leaving the community to confront their own feelings of grief and powerlessness. As fans and loved ones unite to support her, there is hope that, over time, she may discover the strength to heal from this devastating loss.
Published by: Nelly Chavez