A Nigerian father of three, identified simply as Herbert, has been found dead in his apartment in Thornaby, United Kingdom, barely a week after the death of another Nigerian parent abroad drew attention to the challenges facing diaspora families.
Herbert was reportedly discovered dead in his sleep last week, leaving behind his wife and three young children. His family has since appealed for financial support to cover funeral expenses and the cost of repatriating his remains to Nigeria.
According to information shared by a social media user known as “The Stress Manager,” the deceased had been dealing with emotional and financial strain following the recent death of his father in Nigeria. He was said to have contributed significantly to his father’s burial arrangements but was unable to travel home for the ceremony.
Family members said Herbert died on the same day his father was laid to rest, compounding the shock of his sudden passing.
The situation was further described as traumatic because his children reportedly discovered his lifeless body at home in the absence of their mother.
Former president of Nigerians in the UK, Benjamin Kuti, confirmed Herbert’s death and appealed to members of the Nigerian community in the UK to support the bereaved family.
A fundraising campaign has since been launched to assist with burial and repatriation costs. As of the time of reporting, £2,633 had been raised toward a £7,000 target.
Herbert’s death comes shortly after the passing of Omotayo Abioye, a UK-based Nigerian mother of three who died on April 5 at the age of 40 following a battle with breast cancer. Her death also prompted support appeals within the Nigerian diaspora community.
