In a tragic turn of events, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, a 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, has reportedly taken his own life after a court ordered him to pay $15,000 in monthly child support to his ex-wife. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 26, amid a bitter custody battle over their children.
Originally from Anambra State, Dr. Erinne was described by friends as a compassionate and dedicated medical professional. His prolonged legal battle reportedly drained him financially, with mounting legal fees and the loss of his medical license compounding his distress.
Clayton Udo, a Nigerian-American advocate against emotional abuse, confirmed the incident in a post on X.com, attributing Dr. Erinne’s death to the severe financial strain and psychological toll caused by the court’s ruling. Udo lamented, “The systemic abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end.”
Further revelations by Francis Van-Lare, the father of Dr. Erinne’s partner, painted a complex picture. In a Facebook post, Van-Lare claimed that Dr. Erinne had held his ex-partner and their children at gunpoint for three hours before allegedly taking his own life as police arrived on the scene.
Van-Lare clarified that the high child support amount was due to the couple’s special needs child requiring extensive medical care and specialized schooling. He expressed sympathy for Dr. Erinne’s family while emphasizing his daughter’s lack of culpability.
Dr. Erinne’s funeral is scheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Maryland, with interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park. He is survived by his parents, siblings, and children Ugonna and Munachi.
