CHICAGO (WLS) — The family of a beloved Chicago DJ is speaking publicly for the first time, one week after he died by suicide.
Landon Wallace, also known as DJ Commando, was 36 years old.
His family exclusively spoke with ABC7 to raise awareness and help others in crisis.
DJ Commando played for the Chicago Bulls, Power 92, Northwestern University, and many high-profile events in Chicago and across the country.
He also had struggles that few people knew about.
If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].
“He knew that we loved him. There was no doubt in my mind in my heart that he knew how much we loved him,” father Dr. Lance Wallace said.
Wallace said it’s an indescribable pain that no parent wants to feel. He said he is holding on to the memories he cherished with his only son.
“He was my right hand in terms of attending live sporting events. We did everything together. I’m sure we went over easily, 500 Bears games,” he said.
DJ Commando, whose real name was Landon Wallace, died at 36 years old.
Just like his father, Landon was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
To the city he was known as DJ Commando, providing music and entertainment to thousands.
Landon, you know, I love you. I miss you. I hope that you are at peace.
“I was so proud of him… the Bulls, the Democratic National Convention, all the international things he did …he was sensational!,” he said.
When asked if he knew his son was struggling, Wallace said: “We had him in counseling and we were addressing those issues.”
“It’s just these other factors that, come into someone’s life. They’re like little demons that keep nipping at you keep nipping at you, and he just couldn’t deal with it anymore,” Lance Wallace said.
Family and friends have come together to remember the good times.
“He had the greatest, the biggest heart. he loved everybody,” stepmother Kimberly Anderson Wallace said.
“He was such a gentleman. He always took care of the women in his life. He always made sure we were good,” sister Logan Wallace said.
“While we are left to bear the weight from here, you have to think of how broken he had to feel, to think that we all were so much better off without him, and that wasn’t true,” cousin Monique Pollard said.
“I’m not afraid to talk about the fact that my son committed suicide,” Wallace said. “A lot of young Black men, a lot of young men face a lot of stress, and as a parent, you don’t always know you know, what exactly they’re facing…I want people to know that you know, this could be your child.”
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