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The DeBarge family has been hit with sad news. Chico DeBarge, the youngest sibling of the iconic Motown family act, is mourning the loss of his eldest son, Dontae DeBarge. Dontae tragically lost his life on April 2, 2020, in a sad incident that has shaken his family and loved ones. He was just 35 years old.
Unlike some of his famous relatives, Dontae lived a more private life and wasn’t as widely known. His untimely death, in any case, has left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved him. Details surrounding his death are still unclear since the case is under investigation; therefore, many questions are being asked, while a family seeks closure.
But there has always been another side of the DeBarge family-the musical magic and brilliance. For them, these challenges have just gone a little bit further; they never get more serious. The unimaginable pain of having lost a child-a hurt no parent is supposed to endure-is the burden carried by Chico DeBarge himself.
As the investigation continues, there is not much left but to remember the life he lived and the joy he brought into other people’s lives. And though the death circumstances are tragic and remain unsolved, his memory lives on through the love of those who cherished him. Let this be a tribute to Dontae DeBarge, a young man gone far too soon, reflecting upon the lasting impact of his loss.
Dontae DeBarge Was Raised in Illinois
Dontae Tremaine Anderson-DeBarge was born on July 29, 1984, in Los Angeles, California. He is Chico DeBarge’s eldest son from his previous relationship with Kristen Anderson.
Chico married Andrea Bordenave in 1996. They have two daughters, Abrielle and Cheyanne, and two sons, Manny and Chicoco.
No matter how far, if life is a movie, then you’re the best part. I Iove you sooo much. I’m sooo blessed to be your…
Dontae Anderson-DeBarge grew up in Aurora, Illinois. From his social media activity, it appears that he spent most of his childhood with his mother. He graduated from East Aurora High School in 2002.
Kristen Anderson also moved on. Besides Chico’s children with Bordenave, Anderson-DeBarge has two other half-siblings, Deandre Bluford and Destiny Anderson, from his mother’s side. He and Destiny in particular have a sweet sibling bond.
It appears that he went by Dontae Anderson when he was a teen. But he did inherit the DeBarge family’s musical talents. A clarinet and piano player, he loved jazz and participated in a jazz camp when he was 16.
Dontae Was Signed to a Modeling Agency
Though a gifted musician and vocalist, it doesn’t seem like Dontae Anderson-DeBarge pursued the showbiz path. He was, however, signed to Agencia Casting Model Brasil. He does have a few model-esque photos, but his portfolio is not available.
According to his FB, Anderson-DeBarge studied business at the University of Phoenix from 2012 to 2014. He also worked as an event decorator at a Georgia-based business.
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Dontae Was Found Murdered in California
According to police reports, on April 2, a 35-year-old man was found with multiple stab wounds on the street in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. Life-saving attempts failed to resuscitate the dying man.
The deceased was identified as Dontae Anderson-DeBarge, Chico DeBarge’s eldest son. No suspect has been arrested.
The DeBarge family hasn’t made a public statement yet. Nonetheless, Kristen, Destiny, and the Anderson family have posted tributes to Anderson-DeBarge and have thanked friends and family for their condolences.
It seems as though every waking day is tougher for me. I couldn’t sleep…I may have gotten 2 hours max. I know that…
While the investigation is ongoing, police have reported that Dontae Anderson-DeBarge was homeless at the time of his death. It’s unclear what the young man was doing in California or how he had fallen upon tough times.
Until 2019, his Facebook photos show him seemingly in a healthy and happy state. However, there are worrisome comments on the post indicating that his family had been unable to contact him for a while.
More details about the circumstances surrounding Dontae Anderson-DeBarge’s murder are awaited.
