A 26-year-old Nigerian student, Obanyeli Jesse Chima, has died in London, United Kingdom, after suffering an asthma attack while meeting friends to celebrate their birthdays.
Chima, who had recently completed his master’s degree in Public Health and was awaiting graduation, reportedly collapsed on Saturday, September 19, 2026, after telling his friends that he needed fresh air because he was experiencing an asthma attack.
According to a report by MyLondon published in October 2026, Chima was meeting his friend, Eva, and her partner to celebrate their birthdays, which fell on consecutive days in September.
While waiting in a lounge, Chima complained of breathing difficulties and said he needed to go outside for some air.
His friend immediately called an ambulance, but Chima collapsed while the call was ongoing.
Eva said one of their friends began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with guidance from emergency call operators as several ambulances arrived at the scene.
According to her, medical personnel spent approximately two hours trying to stabilise Chima before taking him to the hospital, where he was placed on life support.
She initially believed he would recover after doctors reportedly suggested that he might experience memory loss but would eventually be fine.
However, two days later, the situation worsened, with doctors confirming through a brain test that he was brain-dead.
Chima died on September 25, six days after suffering the asthma attack.
Recalling the painful experience, Eva described the loss as devastating, noting that they had been laughing and making plans to celebrate together just days before his death.
She said the gathering was particularly important because it was the only weekend all three friends were available to meet and celebrate their birthdays.
Chima’s death has also left his family facing an unexpected financial burden, as they had reportedly saved money for his graduation ceremony but must now make arrangements for his burial.
“His family had saved money for his graduation, and now that money needs to be used to bury their child. It’s horrible,” Eva said.
Chima and Eva became friends after leaving Nigeria to pursue their studies in London.
Beyond his academic achievements, Chima had worked at Chelsea Football Club, the team he supported.
Eva described him as a beloved and cherished friend who was the life of the party.
Following his death, his friends have launched a fundraising campaign to raise £9,000 to cover the cost of transporting his body from the United Kingdom to Nigeria, where his family intends to lay him to rest.
The GoFundMe campaign, organised by Eva, seeks to ease the financial pressure on Chima’s family and help bring his remains home.
According to the fundraising statement, the money raised will be handed to Chima’s father to cover the necessary arrangements and transportation costs.
The statement added that contributions would bring the campaign closer to its target and help reduce the financial burden on the bereaved family.
Chima’s death has left his friends and loved ones mourning the loss of a young man who had recently completed his postgraduate studies and was looking forward to celebrating another year of his life.
