Tragic Loss: Became a UKRN Less Than a Year ago, Now found Dead in His Room

The African nursing community in the UK is mourning the sudden loss of Samuel Acquah, a 38-year-old theatre nurse at Southend University Hospital, whose unexpected death on August 18, 2025, has left colleagues, friends, and family in profound grief. Fellow Nurses Africa shares this story highlighting the struggles of African nurses in the diaspora.

The Circumstances of Samuel Acquah’s Death and Discovery

The events leading to the discovery of Samuel Acquah’s death unfolded with a series of subtle but ominous signs, as shared by his close friend and colleague, Mr. Damponsa, in Nanelle Griselda’s poignant video. On the evening of Sunday, August 17, 2025, Damponsa and his wife found themselves locked out of their Southend apartment, a mere 30-second walk from Samuel’s residence, after their key became stuck in the door.

Needing a ladder to enter through an open window, Damponsa called Samuel three times to borrow one he knew Samuel kept at home. The lack of response was unusual for the reliable nurse, but Damponsa assumed Samuel was either at work or otherwise occupied.

Despite his wife’s persistent urging to check on Samuel in person, Damponsa opted to spend the night at a friend’s house, a decision that would later haunt him. “If something bad has happened, I’ll have myself to blame,” he reflected, his voice heavy with regret for not acting on his wife’s intuition.

The following morning, Monday, August 18, alarm bells rang when Samuel, renowned for his punctuality and dedication, failed to appear for his scheduled shift at Southend University Hospital. This was a stark departure from the norm for a nurse described as a “highly regarded team member” by the hospital. Colleagues, unable to reach him by phone, grew increasingly anxious.

Emanuel, a mutual friend, contacted Damponsa, relaying that the hospital’s theatre staff had been trying unsuccessfully to reach Samuel. “They’ve been trying to reach his line, and he’s not answering,” Damponsa recalled being told. Sensing urgency, Damponsa, his wife, and another close friend, Basintale Abel Edmond, who had worked alongside Samuel just three days earlier, hurried to Samuel’s home to ensure his well-being.

As they approached, a chilling scene unfolded: a police car sped past at high speed and stopped directly in front of Samuel’s residence. “I could not even complete my sentence,” Damponsa recounted, describing the sinking dread as they realized something was gravely wrong.

The group was asked to wait outside while police conducted their initial investigation, heightening their anxiety. After an agonizing wait, an officer summoned Damponsa to enter the home and identify the body. “I entered the room, and it was my friend… he was dead, lying on the floor,” Damponsa said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Samuel was found with his phone plugged into a bedside drawer, facing him, suggesting he had been watching a video when he passed away, likely in his sleep. Authorities noted that the cause of death was not immediately clear, pending a coroner’s autopsy, leaving those who knew him grappling with the shock of his sudden departure.

Damponsa was overwhelmed with guilt, tormented by the thought that checking on Samuel the previous night might have made a difference, though he acknowledged, “It was probably meant to happen.”

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Samuel Acquah was a beacon of compassion and professionalism, whose journey from Ghana to the UK embodied the aspirations of many migrant healthcare workers. A former head theatre nurse at Abraa Hospital in Ghana, Samuel arrived in the UK in April 2024 to join Southend University Hospital, where his expertise and warm spirit earned him admiration.

“Samuel was a kind, hard worker who dedicated his life to caring for others,” said Basintale Abel Edmond, a fellow nurse who shared the same flight to the UK. At 38, Samuel was the primary breadwinner for his wife, a teacher in Ghana, and their two daughters, aged four and seven.

He was actively planning their relocation to the UK, having booked a flight to Ghana for November 2025 to initiate the process. Just days before his death, on August 15, he shared with Abel his excitement about gifts purchased for his children, underscoring his devotion as a father.

A Community United in Grief

The news of Samuel’s passing sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian diaspora and the nursing community, amplified by Nanelle Griselda’s YouTube video, which has resonated deeply with migrant healthcare professionals. “You can resonate with Samuel,” Nanelle told her audience, highlighting the shared struggles of economic pressures and isolation.

The video, featuring Damponsa and Abel, reflects on the fragility of life and the strength of community support. Abel, emotionally shaken, returned to work to find solace among colleagues, while Damponsa spoke of the trauma of sudden loss, urging preparedness for the unexpected. The broader community echoed these sentiments, with social media reflecting the toll of such tragedies: “Times are extremely hard… Lots of people are stressed.”

Supporting Samuel’s Legacy

To honor Samuel’s memory, Basintale Abel Edmond launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £25,000 for repatriating Samuel’s body to Ghana for a culturally appropriate burial and supporting his family’s future. As of August 31, 2025, the fundraiser has raised £20,000 from donors, a testament to global solidarity. The funds will alleviate the financial burden on Samuel’s wife, whose teacher’s salary is insufficient for repatriation costs and family support. “His biggest dream was to give his kids the best life,” Damponsa emphasized, underscoring the campaign’s aim to secure the future of Samuel’s daughters.

The global community is invited to contribute to this noble cause, ensuring Samuel’s legacy endures through his family. Donations can be made at the link below 👇

Contribute to Samuel Acquah’s Family Fund

Samuel Acquah’s life exemplified service and love. As the community rallies to support his family, his memory will endure as a reminder of the strength found in unity and compassion.

Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support the nursing profession.