This Morning expert Dr Uchenna Okoye, 53, died from bleed on the brain
This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye’s cause of death is revealed as her grieving family say they are ‘devastated her beautiful, full life has been cut so short’
- The 10 Years Younger in 10 Days star died after collapsing at her London home
This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye died from a bleed on the brain as her family said they are heartbroken ‘her beautiful, full life has been cut so short’.
The 53-year-old, who also starred on Channel 5’s makeover show 10 Years Younger in 10 Days, collapsed in her west London home on September 15, and passed away a few hours later.
She leaves behind her seven-year-old daughter with her ex-husband, fellow doctor Chidi Ngwaba.
A coroner’s report, obtained by the MailOnline, has revealed Dr Uchenna’s cause of death was a ‘subarachnoid haemorrhage’, sparked by a ruptured blood vessel – known as an aneurysm – which caused bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissues which surround it.
Dr Uchenna ex-husband and father of her daughter, returned to the UK after the tragedy. The former couple divorced last year but have been separated for some time.
Her personal assistant told MailOnline last week how Dr Uchenna, who was also a regular guest on Channel 5’s 10 Years Younger in 10 Days and BBC Breakfast, had been having a regularly ‘busy week’ in the days leading up to her death.
This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye pictured with Holly Willoughby, who paid tribute to her ‘very kind’ colleague
Dr Uchenna Okoye (pictured on The Alan Titchmarsh Show in 2014) died aged 53 after collapsing at her London home
Dr Uchenna had enjoyed a normal ‘busy week’ in the days leading up to her death. She is pictured in October 2022 wearing pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter, who her family say is now their ‘priority’
Dr Uchenna Okoye pictured with her This Morning co-stars Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby
Tragically, aneurysms can occur at any time, even if the victims are fit and healthy like Dr Uchenna, who has a seven-year old daughter.
The fatal condition occurs when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the thin tissues that surround the brain, the subarachnoid space.
READ MORE: Dr Uchenna Okoye, 53, died suddenly after collapsing in her London home despite having ‘no apparent health problems’, friend reveals
A family spokesperson said: ‘Dr Uchenna’s sudden death was due to natural causes. We are devastated, and our hearts are broken that her beautiful, full life has been cut so short.
‘As a family, our priority right now is to take care of her young daughter and continue her legacy and keep her memory alive. A private celebration of her life will be held in the coming weeks.’
Her ex-husband and father of her daughter, fellow doctor Chidi Ngwaba, dashed home from speaking at a Hope For Africa event in Kenya upon hearing of her passing.
The former couple divorced last year but have been separated for some time.
Her personal assistant and confidante of more than 20 years Mars Webb told MailOnline last week her loved ones were still coming to terms with her shock death.
Ms Webb revealed Dr Uchenna, who was also a regular guest on Channel 5’s 10 Years Younger in 10 Days and BBC Breakfast, enjoyed a normal ‘busy week’ in the days leading up to her death.
This included a theatre trip to see West End musical Moulin Rouge, a lunch meeting with clients to promote her new Mysmile dental product and an industry event, and she at no point raised any concerns surrounding her health.
Ms Webb told MailOnline: ‘There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. She was a happy, healthy and busy person, with no apparent health problems.
‘Her passing has come as a total shock to everybody – it came totally out of the blue.
‘It’s a devastating loss for her family, friends and so many who loved her dearly.’
Dr Uchenna leaves behind her seven-year-old daughter with her ex-husband and father of their child, fellow doctor Chidi Ngwaba
Dr Uchenna during a visit to 10 Downing Street. She was also a regular guest on Channel 5’s 10 Years Younger in 10 Days and BBC Breakfast
Dr Ucheena with Lisa Snowdon at campaign group Menopause Mandate’s event where she was listed as an expert
A coroner’s report, obtained by MailOnline, revealed the This Morning dental expert died from a bleed on the brain
Dr Uchenna’s family posted a heartbreaking statement on her Instagram announcing her death
Dr Uchenna died following a ‘sudden illness’ earlier this month, leaving behind a seven-year-old daughter
Ms Webb confirmed Dr Uchenna’s ‘big loving family’ will ensure her daughter is taken care of and given the love she needs following her passing.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall which causes a bulge like a balloon, which then can burst.
As well as the brain, they can also be found in the abdominal aorta – the artery that transports blood away from the heart.
When the bulge ruptures it leads to a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The bleeding can cause serious brain damage.
It often happens without warning but the burst sometimes occurs during physical effort or straining.
Symptoms include:
- a sudden agonising headache often described as a ‘thunderclap headache’ (like a sudden hit on the head)
- a stiff neck
- sensitivity to light
- blurred or double vision
- stroke-like symptoms
- sickness and vomiting
- loss of consciousness or convulsions
Source: NHS
She added: ‘Uchenna was my boss, my mentor, my bestie buddy for 20 years and honestly, you have no idea how incredible she was and how much more she had to do and achieve and wanted to do.’It is just so unfair she has been taken from us.
‘As well as her TV work, Dr Uchenna was known for supporting women in business, building confidence, plus championing diversity and inclusion.’
She shared her passion and knowledge to help other women better themselves, and was recognised for changing the face of dentistry, taking on the oral health care market by launching her own Mysmile product range.
News of Dr Uchenna’s death last Friday, which was announced on her official Instagram page on Monday, sparked an outpouring of support from friends and former colleagues.
Announcing Dr Uchenna’s tragic passing, her family wrote: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of the much loved and respected Cosmetic Dentist, Dr Uchenna Okoye, who passed away after falling ill at home on Friday 15th September 2023.
‘At this time, we ask for your prayers for her young daughter, her family, her team of staff at London Smiling Dental Group and her friends who are all struggling to come to terms with her loss.
‘We request that you respect Uchenna’s family’s wishes for privacy at this very difficult time.
‘The Uchenna sparkle touched the lives of everyone she met and drew her into stardom on 10 Years Younger makeover show, followed by 10 Years Younger in 10 Days where her passion and compassion leaps off the screen.
The Cosmetic Dentist made numerous appearances on television and radio, offering specialist advice to viewers. She is pictured here on This Morning in 2015
Dr Uchenna pictured with TV star Davina McCall
Dr Uchenna was still posting videos on her Instagram page just days before she died. In one post she promotes her toothpaste she had created
Her last post was published just two days before she died. The video highlighted an article she appeared in for Prima magazine where she discusses how to keep gums healthy
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby leads tributes to ‘very kind’ This Morning medical expert Dr Uchenna Okoye who has died aged 53 after a ‘sudden illness’ – leaving her young daughter and family devastated
‘For the last 20 years, her deep knowledge of dentistry and her incredible chair-side manner made her the go-to spokeswoman for any dental issue and a popular contributor to radio, TV, and women’s consumer press.’
Holly Willoughby, who worked with Dr Uchenna on This Morning, told her followers: ‘Unbelievably sad to hear of the passing of @druchennaokoye. We first worked together many moons ago with @oralb_uk and she was very kind to me… and then of course again, giving her advice on @thismorning. Sending all my love to her family.’
BBC radio presenter Jo Whiley wrote: ‘Devastating news. Sending love to her daughter, family and London Smiling team. Strong, beautiful, funny Uchenna. Awful. Just awful.’
TV presenter Donna Air posted: ‘What?! No, I’m so confused. How, why… her daughter!! Shocked and saddened.’
While fashion stylist Gemma Sheppard, who appeared alongside Dr Okoye on 10 Years Younger in 10 Days, wrote: ‘I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of beautiful Dr. Uchenna.
‘Her sudden departure has left a void in our hearts that words can hardly express. My thoughts and prayers go out to her daughter and family during this incredibly difficult time.
Dr Uchenna pictured with Gok Wan on the set of This Morning
Dr Uchenna worked as a cosmetic dentist and appeared on This Morning and makeover show 10 Years Younger
Dr Uchenna pictured with Gloria Hunniford while filming for BBC One’s Rip off Britain
This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby led the tributes to Dr Uchenna, who she described as ‘very kind’
Willoughby posted on Instagram after Dr Uchenna’s family revealed the tragic news of her passing
Dr Uchenna’s death has been ‘a total shock to everybody’, her personal assistant Mars Webb said
‘Dr. Uchenna’s legacy of kindness, grace, and expertise will always be remembered. May she rest in peace, forever in our hearts .’
The British beauty council tweeted: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Uchenna Okoye, a treasured colleague and Advisory Board member. She was a brilliant and passionate individual who profoundly impacted the industry.’
Dr Uchenna, who qualified at the prestigious Guy’s Hospital in London, ran two dental practices and owned a line of specialist dental products.
READ MORE: This Morning dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye was still posting Instagram videos promoting products and offering medical advice just days before she died of ‘sudden illness’ aged 53
She was one of a small group of dentists to belong to both the British and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Outside of directing the London Smiling Dental Group, she regularly appeared on television and radio to provide expert advice. She also was the official dentist of Channel 5’s makeover programme 10 Years Younger.
Presenter Cherry Healey of the Channel 5 show also paid tribute to Dr Uchenna.
‘There aren’t really the right words to say how much this absolute force of a human being will be missed and how sad this news is.
‘I was so fortunate to work with Dr Uchenna on @10yearsyounger for many happy years, and to then got to know her as a beautiful friend.
‘She spoke with such passion and love for the people she helped smile again – and she was the warmest, smartest, most fun woman you could wish to meet.’
Dr Uchenna was still posting videos on her Instagram page to her 19,000 followers promoting products and offering medical advice just days before she died.
One was a video of an article she appeared in for magazine Prima about how to keep gums healthy.
She wrote: ‘Bleeding gums? You know that’s a cry for help right? Thank you to @primamag who features yours truly in a comprehensive dive into causes and most importantly solutions to this problem.’
While just four days earlier a clip appeared of herself clad in black dental scrubs to promote her toothpaste she had created.
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