Cole Nikolas McKnight, affectionately known as Niko, has died at the age of 32 following an intense cancer battle. The tragic news was confirmed by his uncle, Claude McKnight — lead singer of the group Take 6 — in a video and mother, Julie, in a statement. He was the estranged son of Brian McKnight.
“It is with profound sadness that Julie McKnight and family announce the passing of her beloved son Cole Nikolas McKnight, affectionately known as ‘Niko’ on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 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,” the statement read.
Claude first broke the news on TikTok. “This morning I found out that my nephew, Niko McKnight, passed away. He’d been bravely battling cancer for the past two years or so,” he explained.
He spoke on Niko’s many talents as a fellow musician and photographer. “Niko was one of those amazing kids quirky, and curious and ridiculously talented. Amazing singer, amazing guitar player. Had a great eye as a photographer. And one of those kids, at least in my estimation, that you always wanted to be around and so it really sucks that he’s no longer with us,” Claude continued.
The 62-year-old didn’t want news of Niko’s death to center around the family drama and urged fans to focus on positivity.
“I wanted to post this about Niko, about his legacy, about how amazing he is, not about what some of you may have heard about family drama that has existed for quite some time, in our family,” he noted. “I don’t know exactly what was going on there, I know what I’ve seen. I know what I’ve heard from all parties involved…a lot of things didn’t get resolved.”
Claude concluded, “I know that kid had a lot inside, a lot eating at him for a long, long time. I may have contributed to what happened with him, what I do know is he’s out of pain now. I just want to uplift that young man.”
Niko revealed he was battling cancer in January 2024. Months later, Brian McKnight claimed his ex-wife, Julie, “forced” him to stop helping with Niko’s cancer treatment.
“We’re adhering to her wishes because that’s what she wanted and we’re staying out of it,” he stated. He later mentioned that he is “praying” for Niko. Julie called him a liar as Niko remained hopeful.
Via his Instagram Stories, he wrote, “So grateful to be at a place where I can honestly say I’m happy. So many things are trying to make me spiral but I’m not going to. There’s too much to be happy about. My health is getting better. I’m gaining weight […] Everything is going to be okay.” Niko later stated, “I love my family. I love my Mom. I love my Brother and Sisters. I love my Wife. I love my life. I couldn’t stand up on my own 6 months ago. God is good!”
After labeling his older children as a “product of sin,” both Julie and Niko spoke out against the disgruntled singer.
“When I was about to die in the hospital from complications from my cancer, I just wanted to bury the hatchet and hear him say he loves me and he told me he couldn’t arbitrarily tell me he loves me. Still cuts so deep,” Niko tweeted back then.
VIBE sends our deepest condolences to the McKnight family during this time.
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