Mother Of Dwight Howard’s Late Ex-Girlfriend Files Custody Case Against NBA Star

Dwight Howard’s ex-girlfriend’s mother is taking him to court over the custody of her 6-year-old grandson, David.

Howard’s ex, Melissa Rios, passed away earlier this year, but her mother Edelmira Vega Rios, filed a custody case against the NBA star in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to do new document obtained by The Blast. Rios died in her Calabasas home after suffering from epileptic seizures. Before passing, Rios worked as a real estate agent and epilepsy advocate, The Blast reports.

In response to Rios’ death, Howard said, “I’ve had some things happen in my personal life that has been difficult to really handle. My son’s mom, she had passed away a month and a half ago, and it’s extremely difficult for me to try to understand how to talk to my son, who’s 6 years old, just about the whole situation.” The funeral took place in Nevada, and Howard and their son were in attendance.

The last message she left on social media was a sweet letter to her son on his birthday. “Happy Birthday to the love of my life, King David. It’s truly a blessing to be your mother. This has been the best 6 years of my life. I would do it all over again. I love your personality and spirit and how you’re always trying to make people laugh. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Love you mi corazón 12/14,” the post read.

Howard and Rios seemed to have had a normal and healthy relationship, as Rios often mentioned David visiting Howard. So far, Howard has yet to respond to the filed custody suit, The Blast reports.