A 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly died by suicide after losing a child support case against his ex-wife.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 26. Dr. Erinne, originally from Anambra State, had been involved in a prolonged legal battle over divorce and child custody. Despite his efforts, a U.S. court ruled in favor of his ex-wife, ordering him to pay $15,000 in monthly child support, a decision that reportedly weighed heavily on his mental and emotional health.
The court ruling caused a severe financial burden on Dr. Erinne, and many sources believe that this led to his tragic death. The case had caused significant stress for Dr. Erinne, with some reports claiming he had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the final verdict was handed down. This was compounded by the loss of his medical license, which also resulted from the case. The financial strain and emotional toll from both the child support order and the legal consequences are believed to have led him to take his own life.
Nigerian-American Clayton Udo confirmed the details of the tragic event on X.com, emphasizing the impact of the legal battle on Dr. Erinne's mental well-being. Udo wrote, “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 systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men.”
Udo further revealed that Dr. Erinne had invested significant amounts of money into the legal process, which ultimately led to financial ruin. “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 him with $15,000 a month in child support and restricted access to his children,” Udo added.
Another member of the Nigerian community in the U.S., Obim Onujiogu, also confirmed Dr. Erinne’s passing in a Facebook post, describing him as a compassionate healer and devoted family man. “Dr. Erinne was a compassionate individual who dedicated his life to helping others. His passing is a loss not only to his family but to everyone who knew him,” Onujiogu wrote in his tribute.
Funeral Arrangements
Dr. Erinne’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, in Maryland, USA. According to a post from Onujiogu, “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.”
Born on March 4, 1988, Dr. Erinne is survived by his children, Ugonna and Munachi, his parents, Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and his siblings, Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD, on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.