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We have tragic news to report from the world of social media today.
Popular parenting influencer Jamal Morton is grieving the unimaginable loss of his youngest child.
The social media personality, known online as J’Amore or Mr. Jay, revealed this week that his 2-year-old daughter, Sadé Rose Morton, died after drowning in the family’s backyard swimming pool on Father’s Day.
Morton shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional Instagram tribute, telling his millions of followers that he would be stepping away from social media while he grieves.
“I lost my daughter,” Morton wrote.
“She thought she was a big girl and could swim all by herself. She left the house and got into the pool where she drowned.”
“Losing a child is a pain I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I hate writing this post, but you guys won’t be seeing me for a while. I need to take a break.”
He continued with a heartbreaking message for his daughter.
“I hope heaven is real because I can’t imagine you being all alone by yourself. So God, if you are real, please watch over my baby. Rest in peace, my sweet angel. Daddy loves you forever, Rose.”
The influencer, who has amassed millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook through comedy videos and parenting content, often featured Sadé Rose in her social media posts.
According to a fundraiser shared after the tragedy, Morton and his wife, Jessica, said they plan to move because the home has become too painful to stay in.
“We have to move away because we can’t live in that house anymore and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to work anytime soon,” Morton wrote as he asked supporters for help with funeral and moving expenses.
Sadé Rose was the youngest of the couple’s nine children.
Photos shared by Morton in recent months documented her second birthday celebration as well as milestones like taking her first steps.
Just hours before the drowning, Morton had posted a Father’s Day tribute with his children, including his youngest daughter.
“On behalf of Jamal Morton and his family, we would like to thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, love and support during this incredibly difficult time,” read a statement posted on Morton’s Instagram page Friday.
“The Morton family mourns a profound loss and respectfully asks for privacy and compassion as we navigate this moment together,” the statement continued.
“While Jamal has shared much of his life publicly as a creator and influencer, it’s important to remember that behind the content is a real family experiencing real pain.
“At this time, there is a significant amount of speculation and misinformation circulating online. We ask the public and the media to refrain from sharing unverified information. Any false or defamatory reporting can be addressed through the appropriate channels.”
Our thoughts go out to Morton, his wife Jessica and their family at this incredibly difficult time.
