Mike Tyson is widely known as one of the most iconic and controversial figures in the world of professional boxing. With a career marked by exceptional accomplishments and equally notorious moments, Tyson’s life has been an intriguing subject for many. While his boxing skills have made him a legend, his personal life has seen as much drama as his career. In his post-boxing years, Tyson has faced numerous challenges off the ring, including the heartbreaking loss of his daughter, Exodus, in 2009. This article delves into Tyson’s emotional first reaction to his daughter’s tragic death and the impact it had on his life and his relationship with his children.
The Tragic Accident
On May 26, 2009, Mike Tyson’s life was changed forever when his 4-year-old daughter, Exodus, tragically passed away. The accident occurred at their home in Phoenix, Arizona. Exodus had been playing on a treadmill when she accidentally strangled herself with the cord hanging underneath the machine. The cord, which was in a loop, acted like a noose when Exodus either slipped or placed her head through it. She was unable to remove herself, and the accident led to her being placed on life support at a nearby hospital.
In a heartbreaking twist, Exodus’ 7-year-old brother, Miguel, discovered her and immediately ran to get their mother. The mother tried to resuscitate Exodus and called 911. Despite the efforts to save her, Exodus was declared dead in the hospital. The details of the tragedy were publicly shared by the authorities, who described it as a terrible accident, one that no parent could ever expect.
At the time of the incident, Mike Tyson was in Las Vegas, far from his family. When he was informed about the tragedy, he immediately flew to Phoenix. Upon hearing the news, Tyson’s first reaction was visceral, revealing just how deeply affected he was by the loss. Tyson later confessed that his immediate thought was, “Get my gun, automatic just like this and go crazy.” This raw and emotional reaction highlighted the depth of the pain he was experiencing.
In the days following Exodus’ death, Tyson appeared in an interview but quickly cut it short, overwhelmed by the grief he felt. His inability to speak about his daughter’s passing without breaking down captured the heartache that would haunt him for years to come. Tyson’s reaction in this interview was a reflection of how difficult it was for him to come to terms with the loss of his beloved daughter.
Tribute to Exodus
Even though many years have passed since Exodus’ tragic passing, Tyson has never forgotten her. In November 2024, during his exhibition match with Logan Paul, Tyson honored his late daughter in a deeply personal way. As he entered the ring, the name “Exodus” was stitched in white on the bottom corner of his black boxing trunks. This tribute served as a poignant reminder of the daughter he lost, and it resonated with many of Tyson’s fans who were aware of the profound impact Exodus’ death had on him.
The tribute was a powerful statement from Tyson, showing that despite the passage of time, Exodus would always hold a special place in his heart. It was clear from this gesture that Tyson’s grief still ran deep, and that her memory would continue to live on in his life and actions.
Mike Tyson’s Children
Mike Tyson’s relationship with his children has been a focal point in his post-boxing life. He has six children, each with their own individual stories and paths in life. Despite his turbulent past, Tyson’s children have remained central to his world, and he speaks proudly of them in interviews and on social media.
Miki Tyson
Mike Tyson’s eldest daughter, Miki Tyson, has pursued a career in music. Tyson has expressed immense pride in Miki’s accomplishments, especially in her songwriting and singing. In October 2024, Miki released a new single titled “Love Me Again.” Tyson took to Instagram to share his excitement and pride, encouraging his followers to check out his daughter’s music. He has often described Miki as an incredible talent and an inspiration to him.
Ramsey Tyson
Ramsey Tyson, Tyson’s 28-year-old child, is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Identifying as transmasculine and nonbinary, Ramsey has been open about their experiences and challenges. In 2020, Ramsey was at the center of a controversy when Tyson stood up to rapper Boosie Badazz, who had made derogatory comments about Dwyane Wade’s daughter, Zaya. Ramsey expressed their gratitude towards their father for using his platform to educate Boosie on gender identity. Tyson’s support for Ramsey has been significant, and they have both spoken about the importance of understanding and acceptance.
Amir Tyson
Amir Tyson, 27, is an entrepreneur and the owner of a clothing line. From a young age, Amir showed creativity, and his father expressed great hopes for him. Tyson mentioned that Amir was initially nervous and uncertain about life, but as he grew older, he developed into a successful businessman. Amir’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped him build a brand that is gaining recognition.
Miguel Tyson
Miguel Tyson, the son who discovered Exodus’ tragic accident, has chosen a different path than his famous father. Instead of following in Mike’s footsteps in the boxing ring, Miguel pursued a career in photography and videography. He is now a professional travel photographer based in Los Angeles. Miguel’s creative talents have earned him recognition, and he has often shared videos of himself and his father, showing that they maintain a strong bond despite the difficult events they have faced together.
Milan Tyson
Milan Tyson, Mike’s daughter, is a tennis player and the owner of an activewear brand called Milan Miyla. Milan’s strong personality and athletic abilities have made her a source of pride for her father, who often speaks about her determination and strength. In 2022, Mike Tyson stated that Milan could “pack a punch,” and her father is a vocal supporter of her athletic endeavors.
Morocco Elijah Tyson
The youngest of Tyson’s children is Morocco Elijah Tyson. Morocco has demonstrated athletic skills, particularly in tennis, and frequently showcases his talents on social media. Mike has shared several lighthearted moments with Morocco, including posts of them playing golf together. Tyson has spoken about the joy he feels in being involved in his children’s lives and the importance of spending time with them.
Parenting Reflections
As Mike Tyson has matured, he has reflected on his role as a father. He has expressed a deep sense of responsibility for raising his children, noting that there is a noticeable difference between how he raises his sons versus his daughters. Tyson admits that he tends to be more lenient with his daughters but adopts a tougher stance with his sons. He has recognized the importance of changing his approach to parenting as his children grow older, especially since they did not grow up in the same harsh environment that he did in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
In recent interviews, Tyson has emphasized the importance of being present in his children’s lives. He stated that as he reaches middle age, he is more committed to being there for his family. The shift in his priorities has been evident, and he is now focused on ensuring that his children grow up in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Mike Tyson’s evolution as a father has been a powerful part of his personal growth. His reflections on his parenting and the lessons he has learned through his relationships with his children show a man who is dedicated to providing a better future for the next generation.
