One year after Nikolas “Niko” McKnight died following a two-year cancer battle, Julie McKnight and Brian McKnight Jr. shared tributes—throwbacks, family photos, and posts that captured the ache of missing a brother.
When the date returned on the calendar, the family didn’t treat it like just another day. Julie McKnight and Brian McKnight Jr. marked one year since Nikolas “Niko” McKnight’s passing by keeping his memory front and center.
Niko died on May 30, 2025 after a two-year battle with cancer, a loss that has stayed close at home for Julie McKnight and her son, Brian McKnight Jr.
On the one-year anniversary, Brian Jr. turned to Instagram with a carousel of throwback photos showing him and Niko from childhood through their teenage years. In his caption. he wrote that not a day goes by without him thinking about his baby brother. sharing how even now—through the anniversary—his emotions remain raw. “Can’t believe it’s been a year […] Or that my eyes still water after a billion tears. At no time are you not thought of / Your smile never disappears / Sometimes I despise the angels who get to see you so clear.”.
He added, “I’m forever in half sincerely. I love you my baby brother.” Alongside the carousel, Brian Jr. posted two photos of himself and Niko posing with their mother, Julie. He captioned the set, “Three the hard way. Forever. ♾️”
Julie McKnight also shared her own remembrance on Instagram, continuing her tradition of posting throwbacks to her son. This time, she uploaded a sweet clip of Niko at a restaurant, vibing to music, tagged with #NikoForever. She also shared an adorable baby photo of him.
The tributes didn’t go unnoticed by the online community. After The Shade Room reshared Brian Jr.’s post, fans filled the comment section with condolences and support for the McKnight family. Instagram user @rere_belike wrote, “Losing a sibling is rough. I hope Niko is resting peacefully 🙏🏽🕊💙”
Instagram user @richlifeshawtydred said, “I hate to see kids passed away. That is so sad. My prayers and heart goes out to the McKnight family.😢” Instagram user @althea_lola commented, “It’s Been A Year Already?! Time Is Moving Fast.”
More messages followed, including @richlifeshawtydred again writing, “Rest in peace, Young King you will be truly missed😢😢” and @t.saintbridges adding, “@brianmcknightjr sending love and light to you and your beautiful mom beautiful tribute to your baby brother ❤️”
Other supporters wrote with the same mix of grief and gratitude, including @loosmile_ dropping multiple prayer emojis and hearts, @godblessedmewith_3 posting, “Continue to rest in eternal peace Niko ♾️🕊🙏🏽🤍💫,” and @kimmy_lmc writing, “May his memory be a blessing 🙏🕊️❤️🩹.”
With the first anniversary now passed, the posts made one thing clear: Niko is still part of the family’s daily life—felt in the photos, the captions, and the flood of love showing up from Roomies who refused to let his name fade.
Julie McKnight Brian McKnight Jr. Niko McKnight one year anniversary May 30 2025 cancer battle Instagram tribute Roomies throwback photos #NikoForever
Awww man. One year already??
The post is really sweet but I’m kinda confused like didn’t he pass last week or something? Either way cancer sucks and I hope the family is ok.
This is heartbreaking. I don’t get why people say “the angels” like that tho, like doesn’t it make it sound like it was his choice? My cousin lost someone too and she never talked like that. Anyway RIP Niko.
I saw this on The Shade Room and was like, wait it’s May 30 again? That’s wild. Also the caption with “my eyes still water after a billion tears” like… I feel that but dang. Social media anniversaries always hit different, I can’t imagine. Cancer battle two years, so he was sick since like 2023? Idk just sad all around.