Lara Kudayisi Don-Momoh, the wife of veteran Nigerian radio personality Teddy Don-Momoh, has died at the age of 42. Her family confirmed the passing in a statement on her verified Instagram account on Monday, revealing she died peacefully on 30 July 2026 after a brief illness. The news comes just weeks after Lara and Teddy welcomed their first child together, intensifying the grief surrounding her sudden loss.
Family Confirms Death and Requests Privacy
The family's statement read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Lara Kudayisi Don-Momoh. After a brief illness, Coach Lara passed away peacefully. During this deeply painful time, we humbly ask for privacy and prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul, and for all who mourn this immeasurable loss."
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date, the family added, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support: "We sincerely thank everyone for the love, support, prayers, and understanding extended to the family during this difficult time."
Who Was Lara Kudayisi Don-Momoh?
Beyond her marriage to Teddy, Lara had established a distinguished career as a cognitive behavioural therapist and relationship coach. Known as the "Matchmaking Mistress," she founded Lara Kudayisi International, a therapy organisation focused on relationship guidance and emotional healing. She authored two books, "How the Matchmaker Marriage Failed" and "What's Wrong with My Taste in Men," as well as an audiobook titled "21 Days Healing Devotional."
Teddy married Lara in 2023, nearly a decade after the death of his first wife, gospel music star Kefee, who passed away in a Las Vegas hospital in June 2014. Lara's death, coming just weeks after the birth of their first child, has left fans and followers in shock.
Tributes Pour In for Coach Lara
The announcement triggered a flood of condolences online, with hundreds of followers and public figures expressing disbelief. @stephenakintayo wrote: "Life, life. Lara you fought. You are a soldier." @chef_amakaa reacted: "My condolences, may the lord comfort the family." @souvenir.giftshaven said: "Noooo please stop this… what do you mean?"
One commenter reflected on the timing of the tributes: "She won't know she had these supportive friends and supporters. See the sea of comments. Yet not much comments on her post while she was alive. It is well. God rest her soul." @dafscourt added: "But she just posted 3 days ago. I don't understand."
St Janet's Old Song Resurfaces
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that a live performance by singer St Janet resurfaced online, drawing attention after her own passing on Saturday, 1 August 2026. The video, circulating on Facebook since Sunday, 2 August, shows Janet singing about death and the afterlife during a live show.
The deaths of both Lara and St Janet within days of each other have cast a sombre mood over the Nigerian entertainment and media community, prompting reflections on mortality and the fragility of life.
