Actor Obi Ndefo, who was the victim of a 2019 hit-and-run accident, died last Wednesday (Aug. 28), Variety reports. He was 51.
According to the outlet, the late actor’s sister, Nkem Ndefo, shared the news in an initial Facebook post on Saturday (Aug. 31) before disclosing further details surrounding his passing on X Monday (Sept. 2).
“Obi Ndefo passed away early Wednesday morning in a Los Angeles area hospital,” she wrote. “Tragically, Obi’s heart gave out in his longstanding battle against the eating disorder orthorexia.”
She highlighted her intent behind revealing the news of his death — particularly to “bring attention to orthorexia’s severity and in the hopes that those suffering from this devastating disease receive the compassionate care they deserve” — and encouraged those interested in honoring Obi to make a donation in his name to the National Eating Disorders Association.
As noted by Variety, Ndefo lost both of his legs in 2019 after a hit-and-run accident in a Los Angeles parking lot. While speaking with the Los Angeles Times that same year, he said, “This is just so horrendous what happened to me, why would I compound this by feeling bad about it?”
“I didn’t even have to choose positivity,” he added.
Per IMDb, Ndefo’s first TV cameo was earned in a 1995 episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Ndefo had a 10-episode-long run on Dawson’s Creek as Bodie Wells, which kicked off in Season 1 and continued through several seasons.
Among Ndefo’s other TV credits are The Wayans Bros., The Jamie Foxx Show, 3rd Rock From The Sun, Angel, Star Trek: Voyager, The District, Crossing Jordan, NYPD Blue, Half & Half, The West Wing, a six-episode-long cameo on Stargate SG-1, Beauty and the Baller, and NCIS: Los Angeles.
Per TheWrap, Dawson’s Creek alums Mary-Margaret Humes and Katie Holmes paid tribute to Ndefo on Instagram. On her Instagram story, Holmes noted that “he was wonderful to work with and such a kind man.”
“I send prayers and grace to his family,” she added. “Rest in peace.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorders Helpline at (800) 931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741.