The Nigerian diaspora community is in mourning following the tragic death of Damilola Balogun, a mother of three based in the United Kingdom. Her passing on January 1, 2026, after a battle with fluid on the brain, has left her family devastated and facing severe financial hardship.
A Promising Life Cut Short by Sudden Illness
Damilola Balogun was living in the UK with her family under a skilled worker visa, for which she was the principal applicant. Her life took a tragic turn just months after she gave birth to her youngest child, a baby of five months. What began as severe migraines escalated into a fatal medical crisis.
According to details shared on X by a user, @dhkrullah, Damilola first sought treatment at Walsall Manor Hospital. She was treated and discharged, but returned three days later with persistent symptoms. With no clear cause found, she was sent home again. Her condition worsened over the following weeks, leading to her admission for more tests.
The Medical Ordeal and Heartbreaking Outcome
Advanced medical examinations, including an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture, ultimately revealed a buildup of fluid on her brain, a condition known as hydrocephalus. She was urgently transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for surgery.
The procedure was initially deemed successful, offering a glimmer of hope to her family. However, three days post-surgery, Damilola slipped into a coma and was placed on life support. Despite medical efforts and prayers, doctors concluded that recovery was impossible. The life support machine was switched off on the morning of New Year's Day 2026.
A Family Left in Crisis and a Plea for Support
Damilola is survived by her husband, their three children aged eleven, ten, and five months, as well as her mother and grandmother. The family's situation is dire. Since Damilola fell ill, her husband remained constantly by her side, rendering him unable to work. Their savings are now completely exhausted.
The family is confronted with immediate funeral expenses and the long-term challenge of raising three young children without their mother. In a heartfelt appeal, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to seek public support.
The funds are intended to:
- Cover funeral and burial costs.
- Provide immediate support for her three children.
- Ease the overwhelming financial burden on the grieving family.
The appeal has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and reactions from Nigerians online. Many expressed their heartbreak and called for greater health awareness, while others offered prayers and donations to support the bereaved family.
