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Actor Kristoff St. John is mourning the loss of his son, Julian, who would have turned 25 this Friday. Julian was the actor’s son with ex-wife, Mia St. John (the former couple also have a daughter together named Paris). Julian was a talented painter who suffered from schizophrenia. His illness led him down a dark path in the recent past, including battles with addiction and being homeless for some time, going from motels to public bathrooms. But when he was profiled by the Huffington Post last year, it seemed like things were looking up for the budding artist. Sadly, according to his mother, who shared the news of his death with her followers on Facebook, dealing with schizophrenia became too much for him and he took his life last week:

 

On November 23rd Kristoff St John and I lost our beautiful son, Julian St John. Our son was the light of our lives, an artist with a beautiful mind and spirit. He fought long and hard against an illness for which there is no cure. Unfortunately the pain became too great for him and I dare not say he lost the battle–he simply chose to set himself free. My fight for mental health will continue. They may not find a cure in my lifetime, but we can try and prevent the loss of another beautiful soul. Funeral services will be December 5th, his birthday, in Westlake, California. Following services will be a reception and art exhibit from his final collection. http://theartofjulian.com/

 

Understandably, Kristoff has had little to say online since Julian’s death, but he did take the time to share his son’s work on social media, including one message with a link to his work that says, “The beautiful winds of freedom,” which goes along with the statement Mia shared about Julian setting himself free from his illness.

Such a heartbreaking loss, especially at a time when families were coming together for the holiday. Kristoff shared this message on Thanksgiving with his followers for his son: “Even the most glorious sonrise[sic], bursting with light, love, and life, must finally set… From here to eternity. Happy Thanksgiving Family”

We share our condolences with the St. John family during this time.

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