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A 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly taken his own life after a court ruling in favor of his ex-wife in a child support case.
The tragic incident was reported to have occurred on Sunday, January 26.
Dr. Erinne, originally from Anambra State, had been involved in a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, particularly over the custody of their children.
He lost the case when a U.S. court ordered him to pay $15,000 in monthly child support.
Clayton Udo, a Nigerian-American, confirmed the incident in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, attributing the doctor’s financial strain from the court’s ruling as the cause of his death.
“The abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end. In a deeply troubling case, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, an American-trained cardiologist, allegedly took his own life after an American court ordered him to pay his ex-wife $15,000 monthly, following a prolonged and contentious divorce case. This tragic incident highlights the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men,” Udo wrote.
Udo added that the deceased had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the ruling.
He revealed that Dr. Erinne also lost his medical license due to the case.
“He shot himself to death. He spent thousands of dollars in legal fees – wasted money. I am talking about a process that impoverishes you. You go to court and they take all your money. He lost his license as a cardiologist in this case plus they slammed on him 15,000 dollars a month plus restricted access to his children,” Udo said.
Obim Onujiogu, another member of the Nigerian community in the United States, also confirmed Dr. Erinne’s death.
Onujiogu described the late cardiologist as a compassionate healer and devoted family man.
Onujiogu shared the funeral details in a post on Facebook, announcing the funeral would take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, in Maryland, U.S.
“In Loving Memory of Dr. Ikenna C. Erinne. It is with heavy hearts that the ASA DC family announces the sudden and untimely passing of Dr. Ikenna Erinne. Dr. Ikenna C. Erinne was a beloved father, son, brother, and esteemed cardiologist, who departed on January 26, 2025,” Onujiogu wrote.
“Born on March 4, 1988, Dr. Erinne was a compassionate healer and devoted family man. He is survived by his children Ugonna and Munachi, parents Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and siblings Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi.
“A celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.”
