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…Father-in-Law Denies Daughter’s Involvement
TOWSON, MARYLAND, USA – Dr. Ikenna Erinne, a young Nigerian cardiologist who tragically died in the United States after allegedly taking his own life, has been described as a respected cardiologist based in Towson, Maryland, USA.
The incident reportedly occured following a prolonged divorce battle that resulted in the loss of custody of his children and medical license.
Dr. Erinne, affiliated with multiple hospitals, including Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Sources close to the case reveal that the final blow came when a U.S. court ordered the 36-year-old doctor – widely regarded by colleagues as a gentle healer – to pay $15,000 in monthly child support to his estranged wife.
The financial burden, coupled with mounting legal expenses, is believed to have driven him to despair, ultimately leading to his tragic decision.
Dr. Erinne, obtained his medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine and had been practicing for over a decade, specializing in heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, January 26, 2025, has sparked discussions within the Nigerian-American community resident in the United States.
A Nigerian-American, Clayton Udo, was reported to have voiced his concerns about systemic legal issues affecting African men in the U.S.
In a post on X.com, Udo highlighted how Erinne’s financial and legal struggles ultimately led to his tragic decision.
He wrote, “The abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end. In a deeply troubling case, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, an American-trained cardiologist, allegedly took his own life after an American court ordered him to pay his ex-wife $15,000 monthly, following a prolonged and contentious divorce case.
“This tragic incident highlights the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men.”
Udo further claimed that Erinne had spent thousands of dollars on legal fees and had lost his medical license before his passing.
Another Nigerian-American, Obim Onujiogu, confirmed Erinne’s death in a heartfelt tribute on Facebook. He described Erinne as a compassionate healer and devoted family man.
He wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that the ASA DC family announces the sudden and untimely passing of Dr. Ikenna Erinne. Born on March 4, 1988, Dr. Erinne was a beloved father, son, brother, and esteemed cardiologist who departed on January 26, 2025.
Howerver, amid speculation surrounding Erinne’s death, his father-in-law, Francis Van Lare, has strongly denied allegations implicating his daughter in the tragedy. In an online post, he refuted the claims and offered a different perspective on the incident.
Van Lare recounted that on the night of the incident, Erinne held his daughter and her children at gunpoint for three hours after losing the custody battle.
According to him, the family’s nanny managed to escape and alert the police. Upon their arrival, Erinne reportedly shot himself rather than face charges that could have led to a lengthy prison sentence.
Expressing his relief that the situation did not escalate further, Van Lare stated, “While I sympathize with his family for his death, my daughter is not responsible for him taking his own life. I thank God it did not degenerate to where he shot my daughter, grandchildren, and himself.”
In a follow-up post, Van Lare clarified misinformation regarding Dr. Erinne’s professional standing. He emphasized that Erinne’s medical license was not revoked, noting that he held active licenses in multiple states, including Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland.
He also addressed the child support issue, explaining that the amount was determined based on the needs of Erinne’s physically challenged son, who required specialized medical care and schooling. He stressed that the court’s decision was based on both parents’ financial standing.
Dismissing the notion that Erinne was a victim, Van Lare remarked that the doctor had ultimately failed his children. “Which sane person takes his own life over money meant to support his children?”, he questioned.
He further emphasized that Erinne was required to pay child support, not alimony, saying that his daughter was financially independent.
Despite the painful circumstances, Van Lare extended condolences, stating, “May his soul rest in peace regardless. My family will raise the children without him.”
“Dr. Ikenna Erinne 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 funeral took place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, Maryland. The service was held from 11:00 am to 12:00pm, followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park, USA.
Dr. Ikenna Erinne’s untimely death has left his family, friends, and colleagues mourning, as they reflect on the immense pressure and emotional distress that led to this tragic event.
