The Nigerian online community is mourning the sudden death of beloved content creator Esther Thomas, widely known as Sunshine, who passed away following complications from a fibroid surgery.
Her family confirmed the tragic news in a statement shared on her Instagram page on Saturday, revealing that she died on Friday, January 9, 2026.
"We regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved sister and daughter Esther Thomas who suddenly passed away... after an unsuccessful surgery," the statement read. "She had fibroid and was operated on so she couldn’t make it."
Fellow content creator Chidera Madu provided more context about Sunshine’s final days in a detailed Facebook post. According to Madu, she began complaining of severe stomach pain on December 28, 2025, which worsened by New Year’s Day. After several tests, she was diagnosed with fibroids and admitted to Orchid General Hospital.
Due to the ongoing nationwide doctors’ strike, however, she was reportedly given only pain relief before being transferred to another facility on January 2 for further treatment. As her condition deteriorated, doctors recommended surgery.
“According to the doctor, the surgery was successful, but she later developed complications that led to her death,” Madu explained.
Sunshine was a popular and vibrant personality on social media, known for her engaging content and positive energy. Her passing has sent shockwaves through the digital creator community, with fans and colleagues expressing grief and sharing tributes online.
Her death also raises renewed concerns about the impact of Nigeria’s prolonged healthcare strikes on patient outcomes, especially in cases requiring urgent surgical intervention.
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