Omoni Oboli’s British-American co-star in the movie, Anchor Baby, Sam Sarpong, has died at the age of 40.
The actor, who co-hosted Wilmer Valderrama’s MTV reality show, Yo Momma, died after jumping off a bridge in Pasadena, California, USA on Monday, October 26.
He is survived by father, Samuel Sarpong Sr, and his sister, June Sarpong.
Reports say police in Pasadena spent seven hours attempting to talk the 40-year-old star down from the ledge.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner Coroner office has revealed that the cause of his death is ruled a suicide although an autopsy is still pending.
His agent released a statement on Wednesday announcing the death of the actor.
“It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel ‘Sam’ Sarpong, Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away, the circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation and no additional details are known at this time. Information about final arrangements will be forthcoming. The family appreciates the thoughts prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time,” the statement says.
Sarpong’s co-host, Wilmer Valderrama, also released a statement after the incident was made public, saying “I am so sad and so confused. Sam did it all, believed in dreaming bigger than anyone around him. We made memories together that will last us forever, thank you for sharing your talent with me and the world. Find your peace my brother! And to everyone in a dark place, PLEASE, please talk to someone. Anyone, trust me that we WILL listen. My prayers and heart are with family and friends that were blessed to know his beautiful soul.”
Sarpong performed in over sixty feature films, and fifty-five television shows, including such films as Carmen The Hip Hopera, Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Keeping Up with the Steins, Anchor Baby and No Weapons.
His character, Paul Unanga, was husband to Omoni Oboli’s Joyce in Lonzo Nzekwe’s Anchor Baby released in 2010.
The movie was named Best Film at the 2010 Harlem International Film Festival in New York and received two nominations at the 7th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
A devastated Omoni Oboli posted the message below on Instagram.
