Who was Niko McKnight? Brian McKnight’s estranged son dies after cancer battle at 32

Niko McKnight, also known as Cole Nikolas McKnight, is the estranged son of the singer Brian McKnight and his ex-wife Julie McKnight. Niko died on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after battling cancer for two years.

Niko was 32 years old at the time of his death. The news of Nikolas' passing was first shared by his uncle, Claude McKnight, in a video on TikTok. Then his mother, Julie, also shared the news of his passing on her Instagram handle on May 30.

Nikolas was a musician, producer, photographer, and guitarist based in Los Angeles.

More about Brian's estranged son, Niko McKnight

Niko was battling stage 4 colon cancer and breathed his last on May 29. His uncle shared the news on TikTok. In the video, he said:

''This morning, I found out that my nephew, Niko McKnight, passed away. He had been bravely battling cancer for the last two years or so and I have a lot of feelings right now.''

He continued:

''Amazing singer, amazing guitar player, had a great eye as a photographer. He was one of those kids, at least in my estimation, who was somebody you always wanted to be around. So it really sucks that he’s no longer with us.''

He then also spoke a little on the family drama that was going on, saying that there are different sides to a story and that he doesn't try to judge. He then also spoke about Niko's suffering from cancer. He said:

''I do know that he’s out of pain now. So I can rejoice in the fact that he no longer has to go through the chemo and the radiation and everything else. I just want to uplift that young man and say we will see him again one day. I love you Niko.''

Niko's mother also shared an Instagram post about his death, which said:

''Nikolas was a cherished husband, son, brother, grandson, uncle, and nephew whose warmth, laughter, and love touched the lives of all who knew him. Nikolas was a self taught artist of music and photography. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family and all those who held him dear.''

As per Sound Better, Nikolas was a producer and a guitarist who had written, produced, and performed for many well-known artists, including the girl group TLC, Luca Hanni, Ray J, and his father, Brian. Niko had also released some of his own tracks, including Prayer and Accident.

Niko and his father, Brian, had a strained relationship, and as per Billboard, in recent years Brian had referred to his older children, Nikolas and older brother Brian Jr as 'products of sin,' publicly, which had then caused disputes and estrangement.

Nikolas had shared the news of his cancer diagnosis in January 2024 on social media. He wrote:

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''Your boy got the big C • it’s beeen one hell of a ride so far but things are looking better now than they were before so cheers to that.''

Niko is survived by his parents, wife, and many other extended family members.

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