Mother & Brother of Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson Found Dead in Chicago

Friday, October 24, 2008

On Friday October 24, 2008, the mother and brother of Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson were found dead in a home on the South Side of Chicago. The police are still investigating the murder and are also looking for the nephew of the singer and Oscer-winning actress. Rupa Shenoy wrote abouut the tragedy in an article released by the Associated Press saying:

"We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson," Hudson's personal publicist, Lisa Kasteler said in a statement. "No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."

Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said the deaths appeared to be the result of domestic abuse. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office said autopsies for Donerson, 57, and Hudson, 29, were pending.

We first remember Jennifer Hudson as the budding star of the American hit TV Show American Idol -- Simon Cowel told her that he didn't feel as though she would have much of a future in the music business and that he didn't really like her voice. But, a little over a year after her elimination from the show it was announced that she would be acting along With Beyonce and Jaime Foxx in the movie remake of the Broadway hit "Dreamgirls" ... and did she ever prove Simon wrong with her portrayal of the character Effie White. Phenomenal! Since her award winning performance in the movie, Jennifer has released an album and is currently in the movie adaptation of the book The Secret Life of Bees along with Queen Latifa, Alicia Keys, and Dakota Fanning.

Jennifer is a promising star of tomorrow living the American Dream. The events of today and the death of her mother and brother go far beyond a tragedy that there are no words to explain. I ask that each and every one of you keep her and her family in your hearts and prayers as they move through this difficult time.