The life of Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, has been filled with both success and tragedy. The multi-talented artist, actress, and producer has achieved a great deal of success in her career, but her personal life has been marked by tragedy. One of the most heartbreaking moments in Queen Latifah’s life was the death of her brother, Lancelot Owens Jr.

Lancelot Owens Jr. was born in 1970, the same year as Queen Latifah. He was the second of four children born to Lancelot Owens Sr. and Rita Owens. Growing up, Lancelot Jr. was a talented athlete and was known for his outgoing personality. He was also a talented musician, playing the drums and singing in the church choir.

In 1989, Lancelot Jr. was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He was only 19 years old at the time. Despite his disability, Lancelot Jr. remained positive and continued to pursue his dreams. He attended college and earned a degree in computer science.

In 1992, Lancelot Jr. was diagnosed with kidney failure. He underwent dialysis treatments for several years, but his health continued to decline. In 1995, he passed away at the age of 25.

Queen Latifah was devastated by the loss of her brother. She has spoken openly about her grief and how it has affected her life. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah said, “I think about him every day. I miss him so much. He was my best friend.”

Queen Latifah has used her platform to raise awareness about kidney disease and organ donation. She has also established the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation in her brother’s memory. The foundation provides scholarships to students who have been affected by kidney disease.

Queen Latifah’s brother, Lancelot Owens Jr., may be gone, but his memory lives on through his sister’s work. Queen Latifah has used her platform to honor her brother’s memory and to help others who are facing similar struggles. She is a shining example of how to turn tragedy into something positive.