Emancipation Director Antoine Fuqua Mourns Death of Cedric "Beastie" Jones

The loss of Cedric "Beastie" Jones is being felt far and wide.

The actor, who died Oct. 16 at age 46, was mourned in an emotional tribute by friend and colleague Antoine Fuqua, who directed Jones in the 2022 movie Emancipation, The Terminal List and The Magnificent Seven.

"R.I.P to my good brother and friend," Fuqua wrote on Instagram alongside a video of Jones praying. "You were always the light in the room and on the set. You will be deeply missed and forever loved."

The filmmaker shared, "MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE UNDER YOUR WINGS CHAMP as you ascend into the Heavens. Dream team forever."

In the video, Jones was seen delivering an emotional prayer expressing a desire for personal growth.

"I thank you for where I'm at. And I thank you for where I'm going," Jones said in the clip. "I wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for you. I'm not where I want to be, but I see where you're about to take me."

Jones continued by sharing his gratitude for his family—including kids Brooklyn, Braxton and Bryston with wife Barbie—and career.

"I thank you for my wife, I thank you for my kids, I thank you for those who are positive individuals in my life," he said. "I pray for growth, I pray for prosperity, I pray for strength, I pray that I'm able to motivate and inspire people to be better—not just in the gym, but in life."

The Georgia native, who also owned Beastie Boxing Gym, added, "You've changed me, and I appreciate the man I have become and the man that I'm growing to be."

Jones' gym shared news of his death on Oct. 20. "Cedric was a loving father, devoted husband, caring son, brother, community leader, and incredible friend who inspired others," the company wrote in a GoFundMe for his family. "He genuinely wanted everyone to become the best version of themselves. He was a gift."

Jones' cause of death has not been shared.