Dr. Ikenna Erinne, a 36-year-old Nigerian-born cardiologist living in the United States, has died by suicide following a court order requiring him to pay $15,000 monthly in child support. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 26.
Originally from Anambra State, Dr. Erinne had been embroiled in a prolonged and difficult divorce with his estranged wife. The court ruling, which mandated the substantial child support payment, reportedly had severe financial and emotional consequences for him.
The news was confirmed by Clayton Udo, a Nigerian-American, in a post on X.com. Udo highlighted the financial burden imposed on Dr. Erinne by the legal system, which he said contributed to the tragic outcome. “The abuse of African men in the USA must end. Dr. Ikenna Erinne, a respected cardiologist, allegedly took his own life after a court ordered him to pay $15,000 monthly in child support. He had already spent significant amounts on legal fees,” Udo wrote.
According to Udo, the legal process drained Dr. Erinne financially, leading to the loss of his medical license. “He shot himself. He lost his profession, his income, and access to his children. The system can destroy people financially and emotionally,” he added.
Dr. Erinne, born on March 4, 1988, is survived by his children, Ugonna and Munachi, his parents, Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and his siblings, Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi.
His tragic passing has sparked conversations about the challenges African men face in family court systems abroad, particularly regarding financial obligations and parental rights.
