Jon Jones Issues Statement Following Death of His Brother

Jon Jones has issued a statement after the sad passing of his older brother Arthur earlier this month.

The 39-year-old, a former NFL player who won the Super Bowl in 2012 with Baltimore Ravens, had a pre-existing heart condition.

On October 3, his defibrillator went off in his home in Pompey, New York, alerting emergency services who arrived as swiftly after they could only to discover Jones had passed by the time they got there.

Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jones was touched by a tribute from Alex Pereira to his late brother after his victory at UFC 320, replying “Wow Alex" with a prayer emoji after the Brazilian asked for a moment of silence following his victory over Magomed Ankalaev.

On October 7, Jones took to X to speak out for the first time following his brother's death - announcing details for his funeral at October 11 and asking that "attendance be limited to close friends, family, and those who shared a meaningful connection".

Arthur Jones, brother of former UFC champion Jon, died age 39 earlier this month. Image: Getty

Apart from a message to Arthur's son, Jones had otherwise remained largely silent whole grieving but on Tuesday, he took to Instagram to post an emotional statement paying tribute to his brother, writing that his "spirit will live on in our hearts forever" as he paid tribute to his "kindness and generosity".

Accompanied by pictures of his life, Jones wrote: "In Loving Memory of Arthur W. Jones lll. Arthur was not just a Super Bowl champion but a father, spouse, son, brother, everyone’s best friend, a gentle giant whose kindness and generosity knew no bounds.

"He had a love for the outdoors, whether it was duck hunting, fishing, or riding four wheelers with his family, he brought pure joy, warmth and laughter to every moment spent around him. Arthur’s generosity extended far beyond his friends and family. He was alway involved in local charities and gave back to the students and the community with an open heart.

"His legacy inspires me every day. Our dad Arthur Jones Jr, me, Chandler, Arthur Jones IV, and the rest of the family are committed to moving forward striving to be the best versions of ourselves, just as he would have wanted.

"King Arthur will truly be missed, he’s gone way too soon, but his spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Rest easy, big bro, you deserve it, you did amazing."

The post was met by supportive comments from Israel Adesanya, Chuck Norris and Urijah Faber.

Jones paid tribute to his late brother on Instagram. Image: Getty

This is the second time Jon and brother Chandler, former edge rusher for the New England Patriots, have lost someone close to them as their younger sister Carmen died of a brain tumour before she turned 18.

Arthur IV, the son of the ex Indianapolis Colts, is looking to carry on his father's legacy and is progressing well in football.

He plays for the Christian Brother Academy (CBA) in Syracuse as a sophomore defensive lineman and Jon was recently attendance for a 28-21 win against Shaker High School.