Television actor Obi Ndefo, known for roles in popular shows like Dawson's Creek, has died. He was 51.
The cause of death was orthorexia, an eating disorder that causes malnutrition, his family confirmed.
"Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace," his sister, Nkem Ndefo, wrote on Facebook.
His sister shared an update on X explaining that his eating disorder caused heart complications.
"Obi Ndefo passed away early Wednesday morning in a Los Angeles area hospital. Tragically, Obi’s heart gave out in his longstanding battle against the eating disorder orthorexia," she wrote.
"He started as a raw vegan which in hindsight was the beginning of the orthorexia as it was more about controlling food than health. The severity only worsened," she added.
The actor's most famous part was Bodie Wells in Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2002. He appeared in other well-known shows such as The Jamie Foxx Show, Angel, Columbo, Crossing Jordan, NYPD Blue, The West Wing, and Stargate SG-1.
In 2019, Ndefo lost both of his legs in a horrific hit-and-run accident. The actor was loading groceries in his car when an SUV slammed into him.
The actor's right leg was severed instantly, and he had to have his left leg amputated. Ndefo made peace with the tragedy, saying he had no option but to accept his situation.
“I couldn’t live in this world without becoming sort of like an Olympic athlete of certain things, you know — of kindness and of health — because there is no other choice for me. So there’s a sort of rigor to me, and I think, ‘OK my legs are severed. I don’t know how to do this, but I know how to do this,’" he told the Los Angeles Times.
Actress Katie Holmes, who played Ndefo's on-screen sister-in-law, Joey Potter, in Dawson's Creek, paid tribute to her former co-star.
Holmes said Ndefo "was wonderful to work with and such a kind man. I send prayers and grace to his family. Rest in peace.”
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mom on the show, also shared her reaction.
“I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years,” the actress said. “Rest in peace sweet warrior.”
