NFL player Marvin Jones Jr. and his family are mourning the loss of their 6-month-old son Marlo, his fifth child with his wife Jazmyn Jones. 

The Detroit Lions wide receiver announced the heartbreaking news on his Instagram page on Saturday, alongside a photo of Marlo,

“Yesterday the Lord called home a piece of my family’s heart, Marlo. It is hard to believe that our little angel, our fighter from day one, our son “Marlito” has unfortunately passed away and is no longer here with us. Marlo, the joy that you brought to us every day, with that smile, and that energy was like heaven on earth. You will always be in our hearts. We will always remember you. We did not get the chance to hear your first words (It would've been in Spanish too).”

“We didn’t get to see you run with your brothers and sister, you ran with them with your eyes every day. We know that everything that we do from here on out will be with you. Every step we take, you will be with us. Whenever we have a bad day, We will think of your smile. We miss you already buddy and will forever love you. Rest peacefully our sweet baby boy. You have gained your wings.”

The 27-year-old is in his 8th year in the NFL and often posts about his wife Jazmyn Jones and their five children – sons Marvin III,5, Marion, 8, Murrell, 4, Marlo and daughter Mya Love, 3. He did not reveal the cause of the child’s death.

Just four days ago Jones shared a short clip of his whole family wearing matching pajamas wishing “Merry Christmas”.

In October Marvin Jones Jr. partnered with Pampers to help install 5,000 changing tables in public restrooms across the US and Canada by 2021.

Detroit Lions also released an official statement on Twitter on Saturday night,

“The Detroit Lions fully support Marvin and Jazmyn during this extremely difficult time. Marvin and Jazmyn embody the true meaning of family, and the example they set has made them an inspiration to so many in our community. We thank everyone for the outpouring of support.”