Craig Raymond Turner: Tina Turner's Son - Tragic Story

Darrion Jacobs 06 May 2025

Was the life of Craig Raymond Turner, son of the iconic Tina Turner, a reflection of the darkness that often lurks behind the brightest of lights? The tragic end of Craig Raymond Turner, a man who walked in the shadow of a legend, serves as a stark reminder that even those closest to fame can be consumed by profound personal struggles.

The news, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, sent ripples of sorrow through the music world and beyond. Craig Raymond Turner, the eldest son of Tina Turner and saxophonist Raymond Hill, passed away at the age of 59. His life, though intertwined with the extraordinary narrative of his mother, carved its own path, marked by both familial ties and individual endeavors. His untimely death, by suicide, in his Studio City, California home on July 3, 2018, left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved him, and opened up a painful chapter in the story of Tina Turner's life. The circumstances surrounding his passing amplified the already complex nature of his life, which was filled with both the privilege of association and the weight of personal challenges.

Born on August 20, 1958, Craig Raymond Turner entered the world as the son of a rising star and a musician. His mother, Tina Turner, then just 18 years old, was on the cusp of global fame. His father, Raymond Hill, was a saxophonist playing with Ike Turner Sr., who would become a pivotal figure in Tina's life. The elder Turner would eventually adopt Craig after he and Tina married in 1962. The trajectory of Craig's life would be forever linked to the highs and lows of his mother's life, but he ultimately chose a very different career path.

Category	Details
Full Name	Raymond Craig Turner
Date of Birth	August 20, 1958
Place of Birth	Unknown
Date of Death	July 3, 2018
Place of Death	Studio City, California
Cause of Death	Suicide
Parents	Tina Turner, Raymond Hill (biological), Ike Turner (adoptive)
Profession	Real Estate Agent
Known For	Being the eldest son of Tina Turner
Work Place	Rodeo Realty
Reference	The Hollywood Reporter

The roots of Craig's upbringing were intertwined with the music scene. His father, Raymond Hill, a saxophonist, and Tina, were both playing music in St. Louis before the family dynamic changed. The relationship between Tina and Raymond Hill eventually dissolved, and Tina's life took a new course. She would later meet Ike Turner. The story of their subsequent relationship, both personal and professional, is well-documented; it would shape the course of both their careers and cast its shadow on Craig's life in various ways.

Craig's life was not defined by the spotlight of his mother's fame. Instead, he pursued a career in real estate. He was known as a realtor in Studio City, California, a testament to his independent path. He was working at Rodeo Realty at the time of his death. This choice reflected his desire for autonomy, carving out his own identity separate from the world of entertainment. His world of real estate provided a stark contrast to the bright lights and roaring crowds that defined his mother's career, suggesting a desire for a more private life.

The circumstances surrounding Craig's death paint a poignant picture of grief and loss. He was found dead in his Studio City home on July 3, 2018. His passing was a deeply personal tragedy, compounded by the already public persona that defined much of the family's life. The details of his death, ruled as suicide, added to the layers of sorrow. Just three weeks before, Craig had been diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, which can have a significant impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being.

Tina Turner, in the wake of her son's death, would open up about the profound impact his passing had on her. "On Thursday, July 19, 2018, I said my final goodbye to my son, Craig Raymond Turner, when I gathered with family and friends to scatter his ashes off the coast of California," she said. It was a moment of profound grief, of saying farewell to a son she loved. The act of scattering his ashes was a symbol of letting go, of finding peace in the face of unimaginable pain. It was also a reminder of the deep bond they shared, a bond that even death could not sever.

The loss of Craig Raymond Turner was not the only heartbreak in Tina Turner's life. The queen of rock 'n' roll faced unimaginable grief. Her youngest son, Ronnie, from her relationship with Raymond Hill, also passed away in 2022 from colon cancer. The combined losses added to the depth of sadness that enveloped the family, a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love.

The story of Craig Raymond Turner also unfolds in different languages, in different corners of the world. In French, he is remembered as "Raymond craig turner, fils an", whose life tragically ended. In Spanish, he is described as "Craig Raymond Turner es el primer hijo de Tina Turner." In Polish, his story is remembered as "Raymond Craig Turner, syn legendarnej artystki Tiny Turner." These diverse accounts highlight the universality of grief and the enduring impact of Tina Turner's global fame.

The legacy of Craig Raymond Turner serves as a poignant testament to the complexity of human experience, where fame and fortune cannot shield against personal pain. His story reminds us that behind every public persona, there are private struggles, and that the bonds of family can be both a source of strength and a source of profound heartbreak. The life and death of Craig Raymond Turner, will continue to echo through time, a reminder of the price of fame, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.