The Nollywood movie industry has once again been thrown into a state of mourning following the demise of one of its famous actors, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo.
Better known as Junior Pope, the actor died aged 39 together with three of his colleagues while returning from a movie location on Wednesday [April 10] afternoon.
According to reports, the boat in which they were travelling in capsized in River Niger in Asaba, Delta State leading to their death.
He left behind a wife and three children.
View this post on Instagram
Junior Pope was earlier reported alive after few hours of reports about his death when he was rejected by a worker at the mortuary who claimed the actor was alive.
He was subsequently taken to a hospital after he showed signs of being alive but died while receiving treatment.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria confirmed his death on Thursday [April 11] morning after he had short-lived following his resuscitation.
I pray God gives his wife and family the fortitude to bear this. A very terrible way of losing a loved one. Someone who was full of life! Kai!!! đ
RIP Junior Pope! pic.twitter.com/q0ffA06Hii
— đDebbie Paulâ€ïž (@Debbiepaul002) April 11, 2024
Nollywood Actor, Junior Pope drown, dıes after his boat capsized in a river while shootıng a movie.
His last post on Instagram was a video of himself on a boat. He wrote as the caption of the post: "The risk we take to entertain you ; crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life⊠pic.twitter.com/q3eDRYZ7l4
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) April 10, 2024
Their bodies have since been recovered. Popeâs last Instagram post was on Monday where he shared a video of himself in a boat and praying frantically to arrive at his destination safely.
He became famous in 2007, after his role in âSecret Adventuresâ which was directed by Tchidi Chikere.
Heâs featured in over 100 Nollywood movies such as: âSecret Adventuresâ, âVengeance of Bulletâ, âThe Catâ, âMad sexâ, âBitter Generationâ, âThe Generalsâ, âWrong Initiationâ among others.
He won his first award in 2010 as the Most Promising Nollywood Actor from Entertainment Factory Awards.
Nollywood deaths this year
The death of Junior Pope is the latest in a string of tragedies that have hit Nollywood this year.
Last month, ace actors, such as Mr. Ibu, Sisi Quadri and Amaechi Muonagor passed on. In January it was Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina. In February it was Ethel Ekpe. She is well known for playing the role of âSegiâ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, âBasi and Companyâ.
Just recently, Adejumoke Aderounmu of Jenifaâs Diary also passed on at age 40.