Keke Palmer Mournes the Death of an Old Flame in Touching Tribute

The 32-year-old paid tribute to her late ex-boyfriend Brandon, who passed away on May 23 from sickle cell complications. His sister Tiffany also shared a moving message about his final years.

Keke Palmer is mourning an old love. The "Nope" and "One of Them Days" actress took to Instagram on Thursday, May 28, to remember her ex-boyfriend Brandon in a heartbreaking tribute following his passing on May 23, 2026, after his sister confirmed the news.

"I found out last night. I think I was in shock," she wrote. Keke shared that she met Brandon on MySpace, after her friend Taylor introduced her to the then-burgeoning platform — and told her about him.

"I found you on MySpace as any girl would after hearing that and we became friends. Basically pen pals until one day I told my parents I loved you haha and begged them to let us meet."

"I remember sitting outside in the backyard sharing my first real kiss with you. I remember you taking me to Bible school and that theater I can't remember the name of in the IE. All the parties your mom would host, Montclair is special to me because of you," she continued. "I can't believe you are gone."

Brandon died from complications due to his sickle cell diagnosis on May 23, according to a post shared by his sister, Tiffany, also on May 28. Alongside her message, Keke shared a childhood photo of her and Brandon during her sweet 16 celebration.

"You were always so shy but always got so much attention. I miss you and I pray for your family and I am deeply saddened by the minutes as I realize what we lost. Rest in Peace my friend and thank you for being there for me when I had no one," she wrote.

She closed her message with an intimate closing note to Brandon, saying he would be proud of her after she finally found the courage to open up about how hard it has been for her to be happy.

"Thank you for giving my sadness a place to land," she concluded.

Brandon's sister Tiffany also shared a moving tribute, shedding light on how sickle cell disease had shaped the final years of his life. She explained that he had slowly retreated from public life over the past several years due to his condition.

The complications, Tiffany explained, took a toll on her brother and he began isolating while privately battling the life-altering illness. But despite his isolation, she emphasized that he was deeply loved and cared for.

"I want people to remember that sickle cell disease is real, serious, and life-altering. And I want people to know that my brother mattered," Tiffany said. "Forever loved. Forever my brother. Forever 34. Love you, Casuhnova 🤍 ."