Tragedy Strikes: Ryan Levert, Daughter of O’Jays Legend Eddie Levert, Dies at 22

Eddie Levert with daughter Ryan on their Instagram Live show, "In Our Opinion."

Ryan Levert, daughter of the legendary O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, has tragically passed away at the young age of 22.

Ryan's niece, Carlysia Levert, daughter of Eddie's late son Gerald Levert, confirmed the heartbreaking news on her Instagram Story. She shared several photos of Ryan, along with the caption, "Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my family. Please send extra love up for my papa and nana." Carlysia also reposted a report indicating that Ryan had been battling lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues.

We are devastated over the heartbreaking passing of Ryan Levert. An angel among us, who has returned to heaven.

Please respect the family’s need for privacy right now and hold them in your prayers.

— The O'Jays (@themightyojays) December 23, 2024

This devastating loss marks the third time Eddie Levert has experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Gerald Levert, a renowned R&B singer who performed with his father and as part of the group LSG, died in 2006 at the age of 40. Eddie's younger son, Sean Levert, also passed away in 2008 at the age of 39.

The official Twitter account for The Mighty O'Jays confirmed the news, expressing their condolences: "We are saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Levert's daughter, Ryan Levert. Our prayers and condolences go out to Eddie Levert and his family during this difficult time."

I was 💔 heartbroken to learn that Eddie Levert’s 22-yr-old daughter, Ryan, passed from Lupus this weekend.
I’m so sorry Eddie, but I know how strong your faith is. May God’s comforting hands bring you and your family Joy in the morning.

RIP Ryan 🙏🏽🕊️https://t.co/O8fvfd2ER0

— Donnie Simpson (@DonnieSimpson) December 23, 2024

Eddie Levert, known for his powerful vocals and soulful performances with The O'Jays, has faced immense grief throughout his career. In a 2011 interview with The Cleveland Plain Dealer, he shared his struggle to comprehend the loss of his sons, saying, "I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don't. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that's why I've made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that's the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can't dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. I really miss them. It's just hard. But I can't get caught up in the fact that it wasn't supposed to be like this, because it happened. And there was nothing I could do about it."

Lupus is a chronic and complex condition that affects individuals differently. Symptoms can range from skin rashes and joint pain to severe complications involving vital organs like the kidneys and heart.

Eddie Levert's musical journey began in Canton, Ohio, where he honed his vocal talents in the church choir and school plays. He co-founded The O'Jays, a group that would achieve immense success with hits like "Love Train" and "Use ta Be My Girl." The O'Jays have released ten Gold albums, nine of which went Platinum, and have charted ten No. 1 hits.

Levert's sons, Gerald and Sean, followed in his musical footsteps, forming the R&B group LeVert. Gerald also achieved success as a solo artist and as a member of the supergroup LSG with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.

Ryan was also featured in a fun podcast, The Levert Opinion, with her father and nephew, LeMicah Levert. LeMicah shared a heartfelt tribute to his aunt on Instagram, describing her as "the sweetest and kindest person" he knew. He expressed his deep sorrow and the void left by her passing. This further underscores the deep family ties and the profound impact of Ryan's passing on those who knew and loved her.