Nick Gordon's mom: 'Bobbi Kristina's passing is devastating'

Nick Gordon's mom Michele has released a statement on behalf of her son following the death of his partner Bobbi Kristina Brown, insisting they are "devastated" over the loss of someone he "loved and cared for deeply".

The only daughter of Whitney Houston and ex-husband Bobby Brown was taken off life support on Sunday (26Jul15), six months after the 22 year old was found unresponsive and face down in a bathtub at the Georgia home she shared with Gordon.

Now Gordon's mother Michele has spoken out for the first time since Bobbi Kristina's passing as her son continues to grieve.

A statement released to NBC News reads: "The passing of Bobbi Kristina is devastating to Nick and our family. Nick loved and cared for Krissi deeply, and he has suffered greatly each and every day they've been apart.

"Nick and our family are in mourning, and we ask that you respect our privacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with both the Houstons and the Browns during this difficult time."

Gordon, a childhood friend of the family who was informally adopted by Houston when he was 12 years old, has been at the center of controversy over the past few months due to his involvement with Bobbi Kristina, who he became romantically involved with eight months after the music icon died in February, 2012.

However, the Brown and Houston families have continually clashed with Gordon in recent months and he was banned from visiting the aspiring actress during her hospitalization.

In June (15), months after a rehab stint to treat his reported drink and drug abuse as he battles depression, Gordon was hit with a $10 million lawsuit by Bobbi Kristina's court-appointed conservator, who accused him of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The papers also allege Gordon transferred money from his girlfriend's account without her permission while she was comatose in an Atlanta-area hospital.

While Gordon has yet to respond to the lawsuit, multiple reports suggest prosecutors are preparing for a possible murder case in the wake of Brown's death.