By: Maria Williams
On the evening of August 19, 2024, law enforcement reached out to Bonét with distressing news. They informed her that her son had been injured, but details would need to be shared in person. During the call, they could only confirm that he was hurt but still alive. Sadly, when the detectives arrived, they delivered the devastating news that her son had died en route to the hospital. Later that evening, the specifics of the tragic incident were communicated to his parents but were kept private from the media out of respect for the family. While known as the artist Rene Bonét, she is generally a private individual, so many were taken aback to learn that, in addition to being a successful singer-songwriter, she is also a mother.
On August 20, 2024, the beloved singer-songwriter posted a poignant message on Instagram, which has since been removed. It stated, “Yesterday, someone took my son’s life. If I don’t respond, please know it’s not personal; I’m not okay.” This heartbreaking news reverberated across social media, eliciting a tremendous outpouring of love and support from fans around the world. The artist known for “Nights Like This” had gained fame with her viral cover of “Before I Let You Go,” which drew the attention of R&B legend Teddy Riley. Following her initial message, she chose to remain silent. Later that week, her management team at Novelty Publishing Group released a touching statement: “A few days ago, Rene Bonét suffered the tragic loss of her son. We kindly ask that her and her family’s privacy be honored during this time, allowing her the space to grieve in peace.” They also announced that all upcoming performances and engagements would be postponed.
Since that heartbreaking announcement, numerous news and social media outlets have reached out to Bonét’s label and management team for information. However, they have consistently declined to comment on the situation, choosing instead to withhold any details regarding her child’s tragic death. Based on her initial message from August 20, 2024, we can only deduce that he was killed, rather than having passed away from illness or natural causes. It remains uncertain whether foul play is suspected at this time, leaving many questions unanswered. Meanwhile, Rene has mostly maintained her silence, sharing only a few intimate glimpses into her life on her Instagram stories—one of which featured a cherished video of her son dancing, accompanied by the deeply emotional caption “Mommy Misses You.” In that now-deleted video, the child appeared to be between 5 and 8 years old, radiating joy and innocence. This is the only insight we have regarding the child’s age, and there is no way to ascertain how recent the video truly is. The absence of clarity adds to the community’s grief, as fans and loved ones alike rally to support her during this profoundly difficult 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 since taken a hiatus 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 extend our heartfelt sympathy to Rene Bonét and her family during this incredibly painful time, as the loss of a child is a profound heartache that no one should ever have to endure. At this moment, no further details have been released regarding the circumstances surrounding her son’s tragic death, nor has any information about his age been made public. This silence only amplifies the sorrow felt by those who care for her, leaving the community to grapple with their own feelings of grief and helplessness. As fans and loved ones come together to support her, the hope remains that, in time, she may find the strength to heal from this unimaginable loss.
Published by: Nelly Chavez