Ikenna Erinne, a 36-year-old United States-based Nigerian cardiologist, has committed suicide after losing a child support case to his ex-wife, Suzzette Chibuogu Van-Lare, the daughter of a popular Facebook Celebrity, Francis Van-Lare. The tragic development was said to have occurred on Sunday, January 26. It was learnt that the Anambra-state-born late doctor had a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, including the custody of their children....Read Full Article >>➤
He, however, lost the case after a US court ruled in favour of his ex-wife and ordered him to pay a monthly child support of $15,000. Confirming the incident in a post shared on X.com, a Nigerian-American, Clayton Udo, said the court’s verdict took a severe financial toll on him, leading to his tragic death. US-based Nigerian doctor commits suicide over $15,000 child support, wife’s dad blames him.
Dr. Ikenna, ex-wife and father-in-law
He 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 the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men.”
Udo, who claimed to be an expert in psychological and mental abuse, revealed that the deceased had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the court’s verdict turned out in favour of his ex-wife.
He further said that the late doctor lost his license as a cardiologist to the case, adding that he died after shooting himself.
“He shot himself to death. 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 on him 15,000 dollars a month plus restricted access to his children,” he added.
Another member of the Nigerian community in the United States, Obim Onujiogu, also confirmed Erinne’s death in a post on Facebook.
Onujiogu described him as a compassionate healer and devoted family man.
He, however, disclosed that his funeral would be held Monday in Maryland, the United States.
Onujiogu wrote, “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 was a compassionate healer and devoted family man. He is survived by his children Ugonna and Munachi, parents Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and siblings Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi.
“A celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM , followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.”
Late Dr. Ikenna’s father-in-law blames him
Meanwhile, Francis Van-Lare, the father-in-law of the late Dr. Erinne, has shed light on the reason for the hefty child support.
In a Facebook post, Van-Lare dismissed allegations against his late son-in-law while clarifying the reasons behind the $15,000 child support order imposed on him.
This came amid the backlash trailing the Van-Lare family, suggesting that the hefty child support triggered the reaction which led to the doctor’s suicide.
“To set records straight, Dr. Ikenna Erinne’s license was never revoked. He had active licenses in Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. One state cannot revoke all licenses at once, and none were revoked,” Van-Lare stated.
Addressing the hefty child support payment, he explained that the sum was determined due to the special care required for Erinne’s physically challenged son.
“The child support was set that much because he has a physically challenged son needing special care from different medical facilities, plus attending a special needs school that costs money. Courts consider the income of both parents before making decisions,” he added.
Van-Lare expressed his disappointment over Erinne’s actions, stating, “He is not a victim but failed his son and daughter, who are now left without their father. I just thank God he did not shoot my daughter and grandchildren in his madness.”
Questioning the rationale behind taking one’s own life over financial obligations, he added, “Which sane person takes his own life over money he is supposed to use to support his children? He was asked to pay child support, not alimony or spousal support, as my daughter is self-sufficient.”
Despite his critical remarks, Van-Lare extended his condolences. “May his soul rest in peace regardless. My family will raise the children without him.” ...Read Full Article >>➤
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