Nevada Alexander Musk: All About the Son of Elon Musk and his Tragic Loss that Shaped his Family

Elon Musk, the world-renowned entrepreneur and visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, and numerous other ventures, has had a highly public life. But among his 14 children, one son—Nevada Alexander Musk—stands out for a heartbreaking reason. Nevada’s story, though brief, has had a profound impact on Musk’s personal life and his future decisions as a father. Born in 2002, Nevada’s life was tragically cut short at just 10 weeks old, a loss that would forever shape Musk’s outlook on family and fatherhood.

Who Was Nevada Alexander Musk?

Nevada Alexander Musk was born on May 18, 2002, to Elon Musk and his first wife, Justine Wilson. The birth of Nevada marked the beginning of Musk’s journey into fatherhood, but it was tragically short-lived. Nevada passed away due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at just 10 weeks old, an event that left an indelible mark on both of his parents.

In a 2010 essay for Marie Claire, Justine Wilson opened up about the heartbreak of losing her son. She explained that Nevada had been placed on his back for a nap, as always, only to tragically stop breathing. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Nevada had been deprived of oxygen for too long and was declared brain-dead. He spent three days on life support before his parents made the heartbreaking decision to take him off it. Wilson held her son in her arms as he passed away.

Musk, who rarely opens up about his personal life, has spoken about the emotional toll the loss took on him, though Wilson has described how Musk preferred not to discuss Nevada’s death. This strained their relationship, with Musk seemingly unable to fully understand or relate to the depth of Wilson’s grief.

A Family Shaped by Loss

Musk with second wife Talulah Riley and his twins, mothered by Justine Wilson, in 2010.
Source: Mark Lennihan/AP.

The death of Nevada was devastating not only for Musk and Wilson but also for their family’s future. After Nevada’s death, Justine Wilson turned to IVF to expand their family, leading to the birth of twins Vivian and Griffin in 2004. This was followed by the birth of triplets—Kai, Saxon, and Damian—in 2006. The couple eventually divorced in 2008 after seven years of marriage.

Musk has alluded to how Nevada’s loss reshaped his views on family and relationships in interviews. His thoughts on fatherhood have evolved, especially as he went on to father more children with different partners, including Grimes, Shivon Zilis, and Ashley St. Clair. Although he is not often seen in public with his children, Musk has said he values his relationship with them and is committed to their futures.

Father’s Tribute

Nevada was only with Musk briefly, but his memory has lived on in various ways. Musk has spoken about how the loss of Nevada influenced his perspective on family life. The tragedy also impacted his relationship with his children, particularly in how he connects with his sons and daughters, some of whom have made their own headlines.

While Musk has acknowledged that his relationship with some of his children is strained—such as his estranged relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian—he has maintained that he has good relationships with the rest of his children. In 2022, Musk mentioned his regret over not being more involved during Vivian’s early years, which he believes may have led to their fractured relationship.

Musk’s dedication to his children is clear in other ways, too. For example, Musk has expressed that he does not intend to automatically give his children shares of his companies unless they have a genuine interest in managing them. This shows a level of careful consideration for his children’s future instead of simply handing over wealth.

Elon Musk Family Today

Elon Musk with his son X AE A-Xii, shortened to X, whom he had with Canadian pop star Grimes.
Source: Anna Moneymaker

Musk’s family is a complex mix of relationships today, with children from various women, including Justine Wilson, Grimes, Shivon Zilis, and Ashley St. Clair. While Nevada is no longer physically with the family, his presence is still felt in Musk’s approach to parenting. Musk has openly discussed his desire for his children to learn the value of hard work and self-reliance, rejecting the idea of giving them everything on a silver platter.

In February 2025, Musk’s executive at Neuralink, Shivon Zilis, confirmed the birth of Musk’s fourth child with her, Seldon Lycurgus, further expanding the Musk clan. Despite the growing number of Musk’s children, the loss of Nevada still resonates with the entrepreneur.

In March 2025, Musk’s first son with Grimes, X Æ A-Xii, made a public appearance at a White House meeting, a rare moment for Musk’s offspring. As Musk’s children continue to grow, their lives—and their connection to their famous father—will undoubtedly continue to be a point of interest for the public.

FAQs

What happened to Nevada Alexander Musk? Nevada Alexander Musk tragically passed away at just 10 weeks old due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). His death deeply affected his parents, Elon Musk and Justine Wilson, and has shaped Musk’s views on fatherhood.

How many children does Elon Musk have? As of March 2025, Elon Musk has 14 known children. These children are from various relationships, including his marriages to Justine Wilson, Talulah Riley, and his relationship with Grimes and Shivon Zilis.

How did Nevada’s death impact Elon Musk? Musk has said that the loss of Nevada was a painful experience that influenced how he views family. Although Musk rarely speaks about his personal life, he has acknowledged that Nevada’s death changed him and affected his relationships, particularly with his children.

Who are the other Musk children? Other than Nevada, Musk’s children include twins Vivian and Griffin, triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian, and children with Grimes: X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, Techno Mechanicus, Strider, Azure, and Arcadia. Musk also has children with Shivon Zilis and Ashley St. Clair.