Serena and Venus Williams’ nephew has died from an apparent suicide, the family confirmed on Monday.
Sabrina Williams, 57, told the Sun that 21-year-old Alphonse Williams, her youngest of two boys, had taken his life on Feb. 3 after being diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease. The illness is defined as “a connective tissue disorder of the penis that can be likened to Dupuytren’s contracture of the hand. It is characterized by the triad of bent erections, pain in the penis with erections, and palpable penile plaque.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of the disorder is unknown. However, researchers have investigated whether the disease is hereditary or linked to other health conditions. Those who suffer from Peyronie’s disease deal with “serious depression.”
“When my son attempted his life two and a half years ago, I asked God, save his life and give me a little bit more time, please,” Sabrina told The Sun. “And God answered my prayers. He did. He gave me two and a half years more than I expected.”
“I knew he was on loan and God called in that loan,” Williams added.
Williams said Alphonse lived with her and his 23-year-old brother Elijah Williams in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also disclosed that the 21-year-old had bipolar disorder.
Though suicide is the main factor, Williams believes her son overdosed on an unknown medication.
“He was crying last Monday, hysterical crying. The week before, the doctor confirmed what he already knew, that he had Peyronie’s,” she told the outlet. “He had started back at high school, he was going into his fourth semester of computer engineering and was regularly seeing a counselor.”
The family plans to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of Alphonse’s death.
“It’s going to take six to eight weeks for the coroner to find out what he bought. We know he’s taken some strong medicines which would have made him fall asleep, he would have gone into respiratory distress, but wouldn’t have known. He just never woke up,” she explained.
Williams described her son as a “serious athlete” who turned vegan and transitioned into a healthier lifestyle.
“He became a vegan, he joined a couple of clubs,” she said.
The grieving mother said Elijah is having difficulty processing the loss of his younger brother.
“My older son is still sending texts to his phone, talking about sports, he doesn’t want to let go, that’s part of his grieving process. I can ask God why didn’t he take some damn frickin’ serial killer? Or child molester or something? But I will never know the answer.”
The 57-year-old revealed that she battled depression in her 30s while experiencing suicidal thoughts. As a result, she was hospitalized for three days to receive help.
She asked those attending Alphonse’s funeral to wear Batman and DC T-shirts since he was a big comic fan. In addition, music by artists P!nk and Taylor Swift will be played at the service. The repass will be held at the 21-year-old’s favorite vegan restaurant.
“After that, it’s going to be a mission to reach out to help other people, it will be his legacy, I miss my baby,” she vowed. “That’s my life goal. I have an unconditional desire to help people.”
Williams is the half-sister to the tennis stars from their father Richard Williams’ first marriage to Betty Johnson.
