A Nigerian woman, Damilola Balogun, has died at a hospital in the United Kingdom barely five months after giving birth, sparking an outpouring of grief and calls for support from the Nigerian community abroad.
Her death was announced on Sunday by a member of the Nigerian community in the UK, identified on X as @Dhkrullah, who disclosed that Balogun passed away shortly after undergoing surgery.
It was learnt that a GoFundMe account created on Saturday by Omowumi Adetifa to assist the bereaved family had raised £3,506 of its £5,500 target from 245 donors as of the time of filing this report.
The fundraising appeal read in part: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Damilola Balogun on the 1st of January 2026. Damilola was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and the main applicant for her family on a skilled worker visa.
“Just five months ago, she welcomed her beautiful baby into the world. What should have been a time of joy soon turned into a painful and tragic journey no family should endure.”
According to the statement, Balogun initially complained of severe migraines and visited Walsall Manor Hospital, where she was treated and discharged.
“Three days later, she returned with the same symptoms, but no cause was found, and she was sent home again. Two weeks later, the headaches persisted, and this time she was admitted,” it said.
Doctors were said to have administered antibiotics and conducted an MRI scan alongside a lumbar puncture, which revealed “water on her brain.”
She was subsequently referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, for emergency surgery.
“The surgery was initially successful, and there was hope,” the appeal stated, adding that tragedy struck three days later.
“Damilola went into a coma and was placed on life support. Despite all medical efforts and prayers, it was confirmed that she could not recover. On the morning of 1st January 2026, the life support machine was switched off.”
“While others were welcoming the first day of a new year in celebration, this family was plunged into unbearable grief,” the statement added.
The appeal disclosed that Balogun is survived by her husband, three children aged 11 years, 10 years and five months, as well as her mother and grandmother.
It also noted that her husband had been unable to work since the medical ordeal began, as he remained with her throughout her hospital admissions.
“Their savings have been completely exhausted, and the family is now facing funeral costs and the immense responsibility of raising three children without their mother,” it said.
The organisers urged members of the public to assist, saying, “No amount is too small. Your donation will help cover funeral and burial expenses, provide immediate support for her children, and ease the financial burden on the grieving family.”
Meanwhile, tributes and condolences have continued to pour in on X from family members, friends and members of the Nigerian community.
@OluomoofDerby wrote, “We have to put more pressure on our local GP and speak up whenever our bodies don’t feel right. I attended four funerals last year, and three of them were for men under 40.
“That reality is deeply worrying. We all need to be intentional about our health this year. RIP Damilola. To pass away on the 1st of January is beyond heartbreaking. Our prayers are with your family.”
Another user, @Enigmalik, said, “They minify your symptoms, ask you to come back if symptoms persist or put you on a six- to 12-month waiting list for scans and further checks. It is ridiculous at times.”
Also reacting, @jhazzy_music wrote, “Condolences to the family. Sad news. I will continue to say this whenever I get the chance: anyone living abroad with a family should get life insurance.
“It is very important for situations like this. Life insurance would have covered these costs and even helped with mortgage payments.”