Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, known by the stage name Junior Pope has died less than a month to his fortieth birthday.
The actor alongside four other crew members were said to have died in a boat mishap that occurred at the waterside of River Niger Cable Point Asaba Delta State on Wednesday April 10, 2024 while on a movie shoot of “The Other Side Of Life”.
The news of the incident was first made public by Nigerian filmmaker and media entrepreneur Sam Olatunji.
Before the unfortunate incident Jnr Pope was seen in an Instagram video posted by himself cautioning the helmsman to limit his speed.
The actor and other members of the crew were on board without life jackets as a safety precaution as he jokingly screamed he was taking a risk on the River Niger to entertain his fans.
Hours after the incident, viral videos believed to be resuscitation of the actor flipped in as he was said to have been taken to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital Asaba but to no avail.
Calls have been made to the relevant government agencies to enforce the wearing of life jacket for boat passengers before going on water trip.
Odonwodo, born on May 7th 1984 is survived by his wife Jennifer Awele and three sons.
Editor Oloyede Oworu
