Thursday, February 19, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
A Nigerian woman, Oluranti Olufunmilayo Esther Akinyemi, tragically died in the United Kingdom just days after arriving to attend her son’s graduation, in a sudden loss that has prompted a fundraising appeal to repatriate her remains and cover mounting expenses.
According to reports, Akinyemi, believed to be a mother of four, arrived in the UK on February 11, 2026, ahead of her son’s graduation ceremony scheduled for February 18. Within less than 20 hours of her arrival, she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the night and was rushed to Luton and Dunstable Hospital. After spending three days on life support, she was declared clinically dead on February 14.
The shocking development prompted family members and well-wishers to launch a fundraising campaign on the crowdfunding platform JustGiving to raise £20,000, aimed at covering the costs of repatriating her body to Nigeria, settling outstanding medical bills in the UK, and funding funeral arrangements. As of the latest updates, more than £2,000 had been raised from dozens of donors in support of the family’s urgent appeal.
In an emotional message posted on the fundraising page, organiser Adekunle Ogundana described Akinyemi as “our sister, mother, friend and beloved,” underscoring the depth of the family’s loss and the community’s desire to bring her home.
The circumstances surrounding her death have sparked conversations on social media about travel-related health risks, particularly for older travellers, with users urging precautionary health measures for families visiting abroad. These include staying hydrated, moving regularly during long flights, and being aware of cardiovascular risks – especially in colder climates.
Akinyemi’s untimely death has cast a pall over what should have been a moment of joy and achievement for her family, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges faced by many diaspora families in similar situations.