Nigerian content creator and skit maker Esther Thomas, popularly known as Sunshine, has passed away after complications from fibroid surgery.
Her death occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, and was announced by her family on Saturday through her official Instagram page.
Family Confirms Her Passing
In an emotional statement shared online, Sunshine’s family confirmed her death and explained the circumstances surrounding it.
“We the family of Esther Thomas (A.K.A Sunshine) with pain in our heart we regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved sister and daughter Esther Thomas who suddenly passed away on the 9th of January 2026 after an unsuccessful surgery,” the post reads.
Surgery Complications Linked to Fibroid
According to the family, Sunshine had been battling fibroid and underwent surgery, which sadly did not end well.
“She had fibroid and was operated on so she couldn’t make it so we are trying to put things in place so we could put her to rest.”
The announcement sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow creators across social media.
Colleague Shares Timeline of Events
Fellow content creator Chidera Madu later shared a detailed account of what led to Sunshine’s death in a Facebook post.
He revealed that Sunshine began experiencing stomach pain late last year, which gradually worsened.
“On December 28, 2025 she complained of stomach pain, which worsened by January 1, leading to her hospitalisation. Several scans and tests were carried out, and doctors said she had fibroid that had grown significantly. She was admitted and placed on medication at Orchid General Hospital,” he said.
Alleged Impact of Doctors’ Strike
Chidera further claimed that Sunshine was unknowingly not receiving proper medical care due to an ongoing doctors’ strike at the hospital.
“However, unknown to us at the time, she was only being given pain relief because the doctors meant to treat her were on strike.”
He said concerns arose when no doctor was seen on duty, prompting a move to another hospital.
“On January 2, I noticed there was no doctor on duty and questioned a nurse, who said a doctor was on the way. I then decided to move her to another hospital, where treatment continued using the scan results from the previous facility.
Surgery Declared Successful Before Tragedy
At the new hospital, doctors reportedly advised immediate surgery as Sunshine’s condition worsened.
As the pain worsened, doctors advised that she undergo surgery, which was performed yesterday.
According to the doctor, the surgery was successful, but she later developed complications that led to her death.
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