Devastation Strikes the Levert Family Again: Eddie Levert’s Daughter, Ryan Levert, Dies at 22 After Battle With Lupus

July 2025 — A wave of sorrow has once again swept through the legendary Levert family. Ryan Levert, the 22-year-old daughter of O’Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, has tragically passed away following a hard-fought battle with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can attack multiple organs in the body.

Her death, confirmed this week by her cousin Carlysia Levert, comes as yet another heartbreaking blow to Eddie Levert, who has now lost three of his children over the past two decades — a burden few can imagine.

“Thank you for all the love and prayers,” Carlysia shared on Instagram, alongside emotional photos of Ryan. “She was beautiful, vibrant, and full of light.”

Remembering Ryan Levert

Ryan was known not only as a daughter of musical royalty but as a charismatic and spirited individual who was carving her own voice in the world. She appeared frequently on the family’s podcast, The Levert Opinion, alongside her father and cousin LeMicah Levert. Through the podcast, Ryan brought laughter, insight, and authenticity, connecting with audiences who admired her honesty and strength.

Friends and fans describe her as thoughtful, intelligent, and full of potential. Despite battling lupus — a disease marked by extreme fatigue, pain, and organ complications — Ryan remained positive and actively engaged with her community.

“She was strong,” said a family friend. “Ryan didn’t let her illness define her. She fought with grace, and she lived with purpose.”

A Family Marked by Unimaginable Loss

Ryan’s passing adds to the deep tragedy already experienced by the Levert family.

• Gerald Levert, Eddie’s beloved son and R&B legend, passed away in 2006 at the age of 40 due to acute prescription drug intoxication. Gerald was at the height of his career, beloved by fans for his powerful voice and emotional ballads.
• Just two years later, Sean Levert, another of Eddie’s sons, died in 2008 at age 39 while serving a jail sentence. He had been denied his prescribed anti-anxiety medication and died from complications of withdrawal.

Now, Eddie Levert, 82, mourns the loss of his daughter Ryan, just days after what would have been Gerald’s birthday — a timing that has made the grief feel all the more overwhelming.

Eddie Levert: A Father Tested by Loss

Eddie Levert has long been a pillar of soul and R&B, with a career spanning over six decades. His work with The O’Jays left a permanent mark on American music history with hits like “Love Train”, “Back Stabbers”, and “For the Love of Money.”

But his success has come with devastating personal loss.

In previous interviews, Eddie has spoken openly about his grief. “You never really heal from losing your children,” he once said. “You find ways to keep going, but your heart never forgets.”

Sources close to the family say Eddie is leaning heavily on his faith and the support of loved ones to make it through this latest tragedy.

The Impact of Lupus

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects young women and often goes misunderstood or misdiagnosed. It causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue, leading to a range of symptoms including joint pain, skin rashes, and organ inflammation.

Ryan’s passing has sparked renewed attention on the seriousness of the disease, with many lupus advocates urging for greater research and awareness.

“She was more than a statistic,” said one lupus advocate online. “Ryan was a fighter. And we must continue to fight for better treatment options and support.”

A Legacy of Strength and Grace

As tributes pour in, the memory of Ryan Levert is being honored by family, friends, and fans around the world. Her life, though short, was filled with resilience, love, and a powerful sense of family pride.

“She had the voice of a Levert and the heart of a warrior,” one commenter wrote online. “She deserved more time.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced, but the family has asked for privacy as they grieve.

Final Words

In a world where celebrity often overshadows the human behind the name, Ryan Levert reminded us of the quiet strength found in faith, family, and love. Her journey was not without pain, but it was also filled with light.

As the Levert family faces yet another unspeakable loss, the world joins them in mourning — and in celebrating the life of a young woman who made a lasting impact.

Rest in peace, Ryan. May your soul find healing beyond the pain, and may your light continue to shine.