Discover more from News from Underground by Mark Crispin Miller
In memory of those who have "died suddenly" worldwide, February 22-28
The toll appears to be especially high in the UK, Ireland and Nigeria
CANADA
'In shock': Steve Fonyo, who ran across Canada raising millions, dead at 56
February 22, 2022
Steve Fonyo, who lost his leg to cancer as a child and ran a marathon across Canada to raise millions for cancer research, has died.
He was 56.
Fonyo's niece Melody Kruppa said he had what appeared to be a seizure in a hotel room in Burnaby, B.C., on Friday and paramedics could not revive him.
The cause of death was not clear and the family will have to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday for the coroner to assess the body due to the long weekend, Kruppa said.
https://infotel.ca/newsitem/in-shock-steve-fonyo-who-ran-across-canada-raising-millions-dead-at-56/it89101
SIU investigating sudden death following traffic stop in Brantford
February 23, 2022
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating an incident involving Brantford Police (BPS) and a suspect found dead following a traffic stop at Rawdon and Grey Streets early Wednesday.
“A traffic stop was initiated, however the vehicle fled, failing to stop for police,” Robin Matthews-Osmond, Brantford police’s communications manager, said in a release.
“Occupants of the vehicle, one male and one female, fled on foot in the area of Henry Street and Garden Avenue.”
Matthews-Osmond said a 25-year-old woman from Hamilton was apprehended by officers while the man was located deceased shortly after.
No further information has been released as the Special Investigation Unit review is ongoing.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8639457/siu-investigating-sudden-death-following-traffic-stop-brantford/
Alex Shepherd of Kincardine dies at the age of 27
February 21, 2022
Alexander Edward “Alex” Shepherd of Kincardine, died suddenly, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at the age of 27.
Cremation has taken place.
https://www.kincardinerecord.com/story.php
UK
Coronation Street actor died of ‘sudden illness’ while abroad
February 24, 2022
Coronation Street actor Joseph Wandera died after a ‘sudden illness’ in Costa Rica, an inquest has heard.
The promising star, 27, played a car buyer in the ITV soap. He passed away in January after having a seizure, an inquest heard.
Coroner officer Kathy Dixon told the inquest: ‘While at a party, Joseph rang his girlfriend and explained that he did not feel well. He had lost sight in one eye and lost sensation in the left side of his body.’
She continued: ‘He contacted a friend who picked him up and took him back to their apartment. Joseph went to sleep on the sofa. A few hours later, the friend found Joseph on the sofa having a seizure.
‘Medics were called but they were unable to revive him and he sadly passed away.’
https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/24/coronation-street-actor-died-of-sudden-illness-while-abroad-16166870/
Pioneering Drum & Bass MC Skibadee Has Passed Away
February 28, 2022
D&B and jungle icon Skibadee has sadly passed away at the age of 47.
No cause of death has been confirmed, but his family said in a statement on Sunday: “Hello everyone, as Alphonso’s first-born, I unfortunately come with some with sad news to say that Skibadee has passed away. As a family we ask for some privacy, but may he rest in peace.”
https://www.complex.com/music/skibadee-has-passed-away
'Much-loved' paramedic, 32, who died suddenly was 'dedicated' mum-of-two
February 24, 2022
The London Ambulance Service's (LAS) chief executive has paid tribute to one of its newly qualified paramedics who sadly passed away. 32-year-old Carla Gray, who was described as a "much-loved colleague", died suddenly on Wednesday, February 16.
LAS boss Daniel Elkeles announced news of the mum-of-two's death to colleagues with "great sadness" and paid tribute to Carla's work and character. He also expressed his "deepest condolences" to her children Elliott, 14, and Isla, 4, her mother Daryl, twin sister Leah, and elder sister Natasha.
https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/much-loved-paramedic-who-died-23210105
DEATH SHOCK
Scots NHS hero dies suddenly months before wedding as tributes paid to Covid vaccinator
February 16, 2022
TRIBUTES have been to a "hero" Covid vaccinator who died suddenly months before his wedding.
David Yuill, 27, worked as a health care support worker at Glasgow Royal Infirmary before volunteering in the Covid jab programme.
Friends and colleagues were left in shock when he tragically passed away from pneumonia on January 19 - just two days after being admitted to hospital over an infection.
David's heartbroken mum Catherine told the Glasgow Times: “He declined so quickly and it was really unexpected.”
But she added: "I am so proud of him, he achieved so much in so little time.
"He did everything he could to help others, regardless of his illness.”
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/8491305/glasgow-nhs-hero-vaccinator-dies-tributes/
Highland Council postpones Nairnshire committee meeting after death of Nairn councillor Tom Heggie [65]
[Scottish] Councillor Tom Heggie died suddenly on Wednesday morning.
Heggie was 65 years old.
Mousehole and Penlee lifeboat man Geoff Pappin [70s] was a 'real character' and 'absolute star'
February 23, 2022
Geoff Pappin, known as ‘Papps’, passed away suddenly this week during a Mousehole Harbour Authority meeting in the village. He was in his seventies.
“Geoff Pappin, affectionately known to us all as Papps, was a real character. Despite the fact that he had been at sea for months at a time, he always answered the call of the maroons thundering over the village, getting to the lifeboat station at Penlee Point as quickly as possible.
A spokeswoman for Penlee Lifeboat said it was a sad time for the RNLI station after former crew member Graham Bray [68] recently passed away and now Papps has been lost in the same month.
No cause of death reported.
https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/mousehole-penlee-lifeboat-man-geoff-6709347
Family want to create Boro 'sea of red' after dad's death
February 22, 2022
A FAMILY has paid tribute to the “world’s best dad” and devoted Middlesbrough fan after his tragic sudden death.
Karl Gregg, from Middleton St George, died in his sleep earlier this month just hours after spending cherished family time with his loved ones.
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/19941184.family-want-create-boro-sea-red-dads-death/
'He was the love of my life': Devastation after new dad, 31, found dead in mystery
February 23, 2022
The partner of a new dad who died unexpectedly in Salford has spoken of her devastation.
Michael Kershaw died suddenly at his home in Salford Quays on February 6.
He told his girlfriend Caroline Lowson he loved her just half an hour before he stopped replying to her messages.
Concerned, the 38-year-old visited his property to check on him. When she got no answer, emergency services were called.
Police and paramedics arrived and entered Michael's home.
Tragically, they found 31-year-old dead inside. He leaves behind his one-year-old daughter, Isla-Rose.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Caroline, who also lives in Salford, says she is struggling to accept her unimaginable loss.
The 38-year-old still doesn't know how he died.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/he-love-life-devastation-after-23192048
Fundraiser in memory of Tamworth dad Thomas Byrne who died suddenly
February 23, 2022
Tributes have been paid to a beloved Tamworth dad described as “pure sunshine to be around”. Thomas Byrne died suddenly aged 60.
No further details provided.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/fundraiser-memory-tamworth-dad-thomas-23188857
Tributes after much-loved Sunderland Fans Museum stalwart Keith Havelock dies suddenly at home
February 23, 2022
Keith Havelock, a key figure at the North Bridge Street football museum, is understood to have died suddenly at home.
The Fans Museum posted on social media to say Keith’s passing was “unexpected” and that they “are numb and speechless to say the least”.
No age given, but he looked to be in his late forties or early fifties.
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/people/tributes-after-much-loved-fans-museum-stalwart-dies-suddenly-at-home-3582891
Tributes pour in ‘for one-of-a-kind’ DJ Krazy Kenny who has died suddenly
February 28, 2022
Tributes have been pouring in for one of Portadown’s best-loved characters and ‘legends’ who has died suddenly.
DJ Kenny Gregg, known to most people as Krazy Kenny, was well-known across Portadown and beyond for his discos, flamboyant style and larger-than-life personality.
The news of his death was announced in a post on Facebook by his niece Ashley Gregg.
She wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to say that my uncle, the legend ‘Krazy Kenny’ has passed away suddenly.
https://armaghi.com/news/portadown-news/tributes-pour-in-for-one-of-a-kind-dj-krazy-kenny-who-has-died-suddenly/159584
IRELAND
Mark Lanegan, Screaming Trees singer and Seattle icon, dies at 57
Mark Lanegan, the singer whose raspy baritone and darkly poetic songwriting made Screaming Trees an essential part of the early Seattle grunge scene and brought him an acclaimed solo career, died Tuesday at age 57.
“Our beloved friend Mark Lanegan passed away this morning at his home in Killarney, Ireland,” said a post on Lanegan’s Twitter account, which called him “a beloved singer, songwriter, author and musician.” Management company SKH confirmed the death for the New York Times.
No cause was given. In a memoir released last year, Lanegan said a severe case of COVID-19 left him hospitalized in a coma.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-world/mark-lanegan-screaming-trees-singer-dies/507-e75f37a4-6332-4d79-b4c8-78ad4a4118ff
Aengus Friel Shammen Delly Death – Donegal musician is dead
February 24 2022
Singer Shammen Delly better known by his stage name Aengus Friel has passed away unexpectedly last night February 23, 2022.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Funeral details announced for Trinity College student found dead in library
February 28, 2022
A student who died suddenly at Trinity College Dublin last week will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
Mark Melnychuk (24), from Castlebar and formerly of Andrushivka, Ukraine, passed away on Wednesday, 23rd February.
According to The University Times, he was found dead in the Ussher library on the Dublin university's campus.
https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/funeral-details-announced-for-trinity-college-student-found-dead-in-library-41395538.html
Irish mum of three devastated as 42-year-old husband died of stroke days after feeling unwell
February 25 2022
Cork mum Roibhne explained how her husband, who had no health issues, started to get a ringing sensation in his ear along with a headache a few days before tragedy struck the family
An Irish mother of three young children has spoken of her shock after her 42-year-old husband Thomas died of a massive stroke less than two weeks ago.
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irish-mum-three-devastated-42-26328267
Show Jumping Community Mourns Ailish Connolly [39]
February 25 2022
The show jumping community united in grief this week following the sad passing of Ailish Connolly (39) of Copperalley Stud in Molygare, Maynooth Co Kildare.
The show jumper peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, February 24, after an illness.
https://www.theirishfield.ie/news-show-jumping-community-mourns-ailish-connolly-682311
A talented rider, she was much loved on the circuit and passionate about producing horses up through the grades.
https://www.theirishfield.ie/news-show-jumping-community-mourns-ailish-connolly-682311
A talented rider, she was much loved on the circuit and passionate about producing horses up through the grades.
https://www.theirishfield.ie/news-show-jumping-community-mourns-ailish-connolly-682311
GERMANY
Helmut Schwarz died unexpectedly: Nuremberg mourns the head of the toy museum
February 23, 2022
Helmut Schwarz, the former head of the toy museum in Nuremberg, died without warning on Sunday (February 20) at the age of 69.
SPAIN
Spanish actor Pedro Brandariz dies suddenly before school show appearance
February 23, 2022
According to Spanish media reports, the 44-year-old suffered a sudden death and despite emergency intervention from medical professionals, the stand-up comedian was pronounced dead at the scene.
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2022/02/23/pedro-brandariz-dies-suddenly/
NEW ZEALAND
Va'aiga 'Inga' Tuigamala died ahead of filming Celebrity Treasure Island
February 25, 2022
Va'aiga Tuigamala fell ill ahead of filming reality television show Celebrity Treasure Island and later died in Auckland.
Known to a generation of Kiwi fans as "Inga the Winger", the rugby legend had been cast in the new season and was due to soon start filming.
He later died in Auckland aged 52.
In a statement TVNZ said: "It's with great sorrow Te Reo Tātaki (TVNZ) and Warners NZ acknowledge the passing of Inga Tuigamala.
"The Samoan son, rugby legend and gentle giant was about to start filming on a new season of Celebrity Treasure Island and the cast, crew and TVNZers working alongside the production are devastated by the news of his loss.
"Our thoughts and aroha go out to Inga's wife and family at this very sad time," they said.
Former teammate John Akurangi said in a tribute on Facebook that he missed a call from Tuigamala and tried to call back, but a few days later was told he was in hospital.
Tuigamala's cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/vaaiga-inga-tuigamala-died-ahead-of-filming-celebrity-treasure-island/2U5RPLBDQIBXRY7ARJCAECJZKI/
BRAZIL
Paulinha Abelha, lead singer of the band Calcinha Preta, dies at 43 in Aracaju
February 23, 2022
The singer Paulinha Abelha, 43 years old, died on the afternoon of this Wednesday, the 23rd, in Aracaju “as a result of a picture of multisystem commitment”. The singer of the band Calcinha Preta had been hospitalized since February 11 in the Sergipe capital for kidney complications, after getting sick during a tour in São Paulo [*]. The artist went to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the 14th, where she began dialysis. Three days later, she fell into a coma.
*“Kidney injury is the most common and potentially life-threatening complication of rhabdomyolysis,” a disease already noted as an “adverse event” post-”vaccination” in August of 2021: https://www.dovepress.com/fatal-case-of-rhabdomyolysis-post-covid-19-vaccine-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IDR
SOUTH AFRICA
Student who collapsed and died on Bloem campus described as go-getter
February 26, 2022
The 24-year-old Carla Steytler, a second-year student in radiography at the Central University of Technology in Blomfontein CUT), died unexpectedly this week after collapsing on campus.
YOUNG STUDENT SAID SHE FELT TIRED BEFORE COLLAPSING
Carla’s parents from De Aar in the Northern Cape, Henry and Carin Steytler, said the university phoned them on Tuesday to say that Carla was not feeling well and that she had collapsed.
Carla and another student were walking to a venue on campus around 12:00 on Tuesday when she suddenly started feeling unwell.
“She said she felt tired and stood against a wall before collapsing. She said she could not breathe and was taken to the clinic, “Henry explained.
“The clinic called and asked if we had a family member in Bloemfontein because Carla did not feel well. We said we have no family there and will get by on our own.”
“As we didn’t have any family in Bloemfontein, we immediately got in the car and started driving to Bloemfontein on Tuesday afternoon.
“When we arrived there, we were informed that she had died at the campus clinic,” said an emotional Henry.
Henry described Carla as a go-getter who loved to live life to its fullest.
“She just never gave up. She was a go-getter.”
He said they still have many unanswered questions about the death of their only child.
“Carla was a healthy young woman with a strong personality. We are still awaiting the post-mortem results.”
According to Henry, Carla’s last type of medical-related treatment was the booster injection a month before her death.
“She had the two Pfizer shots vaccine, and then a month ago she went for the booster shot, but she showed the normal side-effects.”
He said she was a dream child who would have done anything for you.
https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/student-who-collapsed-and-died-on-bloem-campus-described-as-go-getter-breaking/
NIGERIA
Elder brother of Attah Igala in sudden death, no prior illness
February 23, 2022
Prince Samuel Ogwuche-Akpa, the elder brother of the new Attah Igala, has died suddenly, without any prior illness.
He died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, Feb. 22 at his residence in Idah Town in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi.
The Attah Igala, Mathew Opaluwa-Ogwuche II, confirmed his brother’s demise.
“I lost my elder brother, Samuel Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa, in early hours of today (Tuesday). May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Faruna-Opaluwa, who expressed shock, described his brother’s death as “very shocking and sad“.
According to him, “My brother was not sick nor showed any sign of sickness before his demise.
“We even held a family meeting on Monday, Feb. 21 and thereafter my late brother went to bed but unfortunately and tragically did not wake up from sleep on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
He (late Prince) was in the palace on Sunday, Feb. 20, and had no trace of ailment. This is really shocking, ” he lamented.
https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/02/23/elder-brother-of-attah-igala-in-sudden-death-no-prior-illness/
Nigerian pastor dies three weeks to his 50th birthday after sending out invitation
February 23 2022
A Nigerian pastor has died suddenly barely a few days to his grand birthday celebration.
The pastor who was also a relationship and marriage counselor identified as Ezekiel Atang reportedly died on Monday, February 21, three weeks to his 50th birthday.
Osinbajo Grieves As His Shoemaker Friend [28] Dies Suddenly
February 28, 2022
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, says he’s deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Ojima Omale, a shoemaker and owner of OJBest Footwears.
The cause of the 28-year-old’s death has yet to be revealed but reports said the Abuja-based shoe designer died in his sleep.
https://thewhistler.ng/osinbajo-grieves-as-his-shoemaker-friend-dies-suddenly/
Uhuru mourns Kenya's envoy to Nigeria Dr Wilfred Machage [65]
February 20, 2022
President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with the family, relatives and friends of Kenya's High Commissioner to Nigeria Dr Wilfred Gisuka Machage who died on Saturday afternoon.
Dr Machage, a two-term Kuria East MP, Migori Senator and former Cabinet Minister, is reported to have collapsed and died suddenly at his home in Abuja, Nigeria.
Some further detail here:
His twin brother, Sospeter Magita, who was also a Kenyan ambassador to Russia, told The Standard on phone that Gisuka died after taking lunch. Magita said his brother had enjoyed relatively good health.
https://leadership.ng/kenyas-high-commissioner-to-nigeria-machage-dies-at-65/
SINGAPORE
Famous Changi Village goreng pisang hawker dies suddenly at age 49
February 25, 2022
Those who frequent the hawker centre at Changi Village will be aware of the "Million Star Fried Banana" stall.
As a mainstay of the hawker centre, the stall has always been famous for selling fried banana fritters using Pisang Rajah, also known as the king of bananas.
According to the Chinese newspaper Shin Min Daily News, the second-generation owner of the stall James Chan passed away on Feb. 21.
He was 49.
The cause of death was reportedly a heart attack.
Died of heart attack
Chan's mother told the Shin Min that she noticed Chan was still in bed at around 11am on the morning he died.
Chan would usually leave house by 10:30am to open the stall.
When she tried to wake Chan up, she found his hand cold and stiff, so she quickly called for an ambulance.
She said she was heartbroken and at a loss when the paramedic announced Chan's death at the scene.
When asked about Chan's health, she said her son did not mention any ailment and he exercised regularly.
https://mothership.sg/2022/02/million-star-fried-banana-owner-dies/
In memory of those who have "died suddenly" worldwide, February 22-28
Thank you for honoring their lives. Vaccine victims so often die without public awareness, and the world wakes up to these tragedies way too slowly to stop further injuries and deaths.
Just saw another 25 year old soccer player dropped headline on ESPN.