By Ado Oyeyemi
A 26-year-old Nigerian student in the United Kingdom, Obanyeli Jesse Chima, has died after suffering a severe asthma attack while out with friends to celebrate their birthdays in London.
Chima, who had recently completed a master’s degree in Public Health and was awaiting graduation, reportedly developed breathing difficulties on September 19 while meeting his friends at a lounge.
According to a report by MyLondon, the Nigerian had gone out with his friend, Eva, and her partner for a joint birthday celebration, as their birthdays fell on three consecutive days in September.
While at the venue, Chima reportedly told Eva that he needed to step outside to get some fresh air because he was experiencing an asthma attack.
He subsequently struggled to breathe and used three inhalers he had with him, but they failed to ease his condition.
Eva immediately called an ambulance, but Chima collapsed while she was speaking with the emergency operator.
His friends reportedly began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, under the guidance of emergency personnel, while several ambulance crews worked to stabilise him.
According to Eva, medical personnel spent about two hours trying to stabilise Chima before taking him to the hospital, where he was placed on life support.
Although his friends were initially given hope that he might recover, his condition reportedly deteriorated over the following days.
Doctors later conducted brain tests and confirmed that he was brain-dead. Chima died on September 25, six days after the incident.
Recounting the experience, Eva described the sudden loss as devastating, saying the friends had been laughing and celebrating together shortly before the medical emergency.
She explained that the birthday outing had been planned for the only weekend all three friends were available, making the outcome particularly painful.
Chima’s death came as he was preparing for his graduation after completing his postgraduate studies. His family had reportedly saved money to attend the ceremony, but the funds may now be needed to support his burial arrangements.
Eva described the deceased as a cherished friend who brought life to social gatherings. She added that his death came as a shock because he had appeared physically fit.
Chima, who was a supporter of Chelsea Football Club, had also worked with the London-based football club.
He is survived by three siblings in Nigeria, where his family is making arrangements to bring his remains home for burial.
To assist the grieving family, Eva and other friends have launched a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of transporting his body to Nigeria, alongside mortuary charges and other related expenses.
Eva said the initiative was intended to ease the financial burden on the family, noting that the cost of repatriating a deceased international student could be overwhelming.
She explained that although Chima’s father had considered burying him in the UK, the family preferred to have his remains returned to Nigeria so relatives could pay their final respects.
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The fundraising campaign aims to raise between £7,000 and £9,000 to cover the expenses associated with bringing Chima’s body home.
