Tragedy Strikes Jennifer Hudson

JENNIFER HUDSON'S PUBLICIST REPORTEDLY CONFIRMS DEATH OF STAR'S MOTHER AND BROTHER

Jennifer Hudson's rep reportedly confirmed that Chicago police are investigating the deaths of the Oscar-winning actress' mother, 57, and brother, 29. The two were reportedly found shot dead at the mother's South Side home.

"We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson," rep Lisa Kasteler told People. "No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."

Also, police say a seven-year-old boy is missing and a search is on for a man, People reports. The boy is believed to be the grandson of Darnell, pictured here with Jennifer at the Governor's Ball following the 2007 Academy Awards.

"We are searching for a young boy from that address who is missing," says Chicago police spokesman Officer John Mirabelli. "We are seeking to interview the adult male."

The boy was identifed as Julian King. An Amber Alert has been issued for him, according to People.

In addition to reporting that a cousin who lives nearby found the bodies at 2:44 p.m., TMZ reports:

Police are looking for William Balfour, who they claim could be with the missing 7-year-old. According to records, Balfour listed Hudson's mother's address as a place of residence within the last year. According to the Illinois Department of Corrections website, Balfour is currently on parole after serving jail time for attempted murder.

Lost in all this is Jennifer's sister Julia, mother of the missing 7-year-old. We're told she works as a bus driver in Chicago. Her employer told us she worked her shift today. She hasn't been seen since.

WABC in New York reports that as of Friday evening, Jennifer was on a plane en route to Chicago. Jennifer, 27, is the youngest of three children. Jason reportedly was a mechanic and according to his MySpace page, graduated from Simeon Career Academy High School in 1998. Jennifer's deceased father Samuel Simpson was a bus driver.

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