This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye’s cause of death is revealed as her grieving family say they are ‘devastated her beautiful, full life has been cut so short’
- The 10 Years Younger in 10 Days star died after collapsing at her London home
This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye died from a bleed on the brain as her family said they were heartbroken ‘her beautiful, full life has been cut so short’.
The much-loved 53-year-old mother, who also starred on Channel 5’s makeover show 10 Years Younger in 10 Days, collapsed in her West London home on September 15.
She passed away hours later much to the shock of her close friends and family.
A coroner’s report, obtained by the MailOnline, has revealed Dr Uchenna’s cause of death was a ‘subarachnoid haemorrhage’, sparked by a ruptured blood vessel – known as an aneurysm – which caused blessing in the space between the brain and the tissues which surround it.
This fatal condition occurs when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the thin tissues that surround the brain, which is known as the subarachnoid space.
This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye died from a bleed on the brain, aged 53, after collapsing at her London home
Dr Uchenna’s family posted a heartbreaking statement on her Instagram announcing her death
Tragically, aneurysms can occur at any time, even if the victims are fit and healthy like Dr Uchenna, who has a seven-year old daughter.
Her grieving family say they are ‘devastated her beautiful, full life has been cut so short’ and their ‘priority right now is to take care of her young daughter’.
A family spokesperson said: ‘Dr Uchenna’s sudden death was due to natural causes. We are devastated, and our hearts are broken that her beautiful, full life has been cut so short.
READ MORE: This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye was still posting Instagram videos promoting products and offering medical advice just days before she died of ‘sudden illness’ aged 53
‘As a family, our priority right now is to take care of her young daughter and continue her legacy and keep her memory alive. A private celebration of her life will be held in the coming weeks.’
Her ex-husband and father of her daughter, fellow doctor Chidi Ngwaba, dashed home from speaking at a Hope For Africa event in Kenya upon hearing of her passing.
The former couple divorced last year but have been separated for some time.
Her personal assistant and confidante of more than 20 years Mars Webb told the MailOnline last week her loved ones are still coming to terms with her shock death and was waiting for a coroner’s report to confirm the exact reasons why she had passed away.
Ms Webb revealed Dr Uchenna, who was also a regular guest on Channel 5’s 10 Years Younger in 10 Days and BBC Breakfast, enjoyed a normal ‘busy week’ in the days leading up to her death.
This included a theatre trip to see West End musical Moulin Rouge, a lunch meeting with clients to promote her new Mysmile dental product and an industry event, and she at no point raised any concerns surrounding her health.
Ms Webb told MailOnline: ‘There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. She was a happy, healthy and busy person, with no apparent health problems.
‘Her passing has come as a total shock to everybody – it came totally out of the blue.
‘It’s a devastating loss for her family, friends and so many who loved her dearly.’
The Cosmetic Dentist made numerous appearances on television and radio, offering specialist advice to viewers. She is pictured here on This Morning in 2015
Dr Uchenna had enjoyed a normal ‘busy week’ in the days leading up to her death. This included a theatre trip to see West End musical Moulin Rouge, and a lunch meeting with clients
Ms Webb confirmed Dr Uchenna’s ‘big loving family’ will ensure her daughter is taken care of and given the love she needs following her passing.
She added: ‘Urchenna was my boss, my mentor, my bestie buddy for 20 years and honestly, you have no idea how incredible she was and how much more she had to do and achieve and wanted to do.’It is just so unfair she has been taken from us.
READ MORE: Dr Uchenna Okoye, 53, died suddenly after collapsing in her London home despite having ‘no apparent health problems’, friend reveals
‘As well as her TV work, Dr Uchenna was known for supporting women in business, building confidence, plus championing diversity and inclusion.
She shared her passion and knowledge to help other women better themselves, and was recognised for changing the face of dentistry, taking on the oral health care market by launching her own Mysmile product range.
News of Dr Uchenna’s death last Friday, which was announced on her official Instagram page on Monday, sparked an outpouring of support from friends and former colleagues.
Holly Willoughby, who worked with Dr Uchenna on This Morning, told her followers: ‘Unbelievably sad to hear of the passing of @druchennaokoye. We first worked together many moons ago with @oralb_uk and she was very kind to me… and then of course again, giving her advice on @thismorning. Sending all my love to her family.’
BBC radio presenter Jo Whiley wrote: ‘Devastating news. Sending love to her daughter, family and London Smiling team. Strong, beautiful, funny Uchenna. Awful. Just awful.’
The British beauty council tweeted: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Uchenna Okoye, a treasured colleague and Advisory Board member. She was a brilliant and passionate individual who profoundly impacted the industry.’
Dr Uchenna, who qualified at the prestigious Guy’s Hospital in London, ran two dental practices and owned a line of specialist dental products.
She was one of a small group of dentists to belong to both the British and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Outside of directing the London Smiling Dental Group, she regularly appeared on television and radio to provide expert advice. She also was the official dentist of Channel 5’s makeover programme 10 Years Younger.
Presenter Cherry Healey of the Channel 5 show also paid tribute to Dr Uchenna.
‘There aren’t really the right words to say how much this absolute force of a human being will be missed and how sad this news is.
‘I was so fortunate to work with Dr Uchenna on @10yearsyounger for many happy years, and to then got to know her as a beautiful friend.
‘She spoke with such passion and love for the people she helped smile again – and she was the warmest, smartest, most fun woman you could wish to meet.’
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