Obi Ndefo, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, has died at 51. His sister, Nkem Ndefo, confirmed his passing and shared that he had been struggling since a serious crash five years ago that resulted in him losing both his legs. The cause of his death is not known. Nkem Ndefo posted on Facebook, saying she is heartbroken but finds comfort knowing her brother is finally at peace.
Obi Ndefo, who graduated from Yale, appeared on Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2002 as Bodie Wells, the brother-in-law of Katie Holmes’ character. He also had a role on Stargate SG-1 from 2000 to 2005.
Obi Ndefo also appeared on The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Crossing Jordan, and The District. He founded the Arts Alliance for Humanity in Los Angeles, which helps with arts education in the community.
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mom on the show, paid tribute to Ndefo on Instagram. She said it’s hard to believe he’s gone and praised him for his strength and love. She will always remember their supportive messages to each other and wished him peace.
In August 2019, Ndefo was in a hit-and-run accident that led to the amputation of both his legs. One leg was shattered, and the other was partially severed.
Obi Ndefo was loading a cooler into his car outside Erewhon Market on Beverly Boulevard when a drunk driver hit him, according to the Los Angeles Times.
After the accident, his friends and family created a GoFundMe page that raised over $290,000. The money was used to pay for new prosthetic legs, surgery, hospital bills not covered by insurance, and to make his home wheelchair accessible.