Nigerian Postgraduate Dies After Asthma Attack in London, Friends Seek £9,000 for Burial

A 26-year-old Nigerian postgraduate, Obanyeli Jesse Chima, has died following a severe asthma attack in London, United Kingdom, as his friends raise funds to help transport his body to Nigeria for burial.

Chima suffered the attack on September 19, 2026, while meeting friends ahead of a planned birthday celebration. He died six days later, on September 25, according to a fundraising appeal established in his memory.

The appeal, organised by his friend Eva and co-organised by Olivia Addams, said Chima experienced breathing difficulties during the gathering and used three inhalers, but his condition did not improve.

He subsequently asked his friends to call an ambulance. While one of them was speaking to emergency operators, he collapsed.

According to the account, his friends began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with guidance from emergency operators. Paramedics later arrived and worked to stabilise him before taking him to hospital, where he was placed on life-support equipment.

The fundraiser said doctors later informed those close to him that his brain had been deprived of sufficient oxygen for several minutes. He was subsequently declared brain-dead and died on September 25.

The circumstances surrounding the medical emergency have not been independently established through hospital records or an official medical statement.

He was awaiting graduation

Chima had recently completed a master’s degree in Public Health in the United Kingdom and was awaiting his graduation.

The fundraising appeal also said he had studied Medical Laboratory Science and was a supporter of Chelsea Football Club, where he had previously worked.

His friend Eva described him as a cherished friend whose death had left those close to him grieving.

The tragedy came shortly after Chima celebrated his 26th birthday on September 2.

Friends raise funds to bring his body home

Following his death, friends launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of transporting his body from the United Kingdom to Nigeria for burial.

The campaign has a stated target of £9,000 to cover repatriation arrangements and associated expenses. The organisers said the money raised would be given to Chima’s father to assist with the arrangements.

According to the appeal, the family had been preparing financially for his graduation but now faces the expense of burying him.

The organisers said the family preferred to have his body returned to Nigeria so relatives could see him before his burial.

Chima leaves behind his parents and three siblings in Nigeria, according to the fundraising appeal.

The campaign is seeking public support to help the family meet the costs of bringing him home.