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Author Adichie's Son Dies After Lagos Hospital Error
12 Sep
Summary
- 21-month-old son died after excessive propofol during an MRI.
- Family seeks accountability, not a lawsuit, from Nigerian authorities.
- Despite tragedy, Adichie plans return to Nigeria for her children.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's profound connection to Nigeria has been altered by the tragic death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The incident occurred in December 2025 while the family was in Lagos. Nkanu became critically ill and later died within 24 hours after receiving an excessive amount of propofol during an MRI at Euracare Hospital, a procedure intended to stabilize him for a planned transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
Following the tragedy, Nigerian medical authorities found negligence involving three physicians, suspending them pending further proceedings. A coroner's inquest has been opened but is currently stayed. Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, stated they are not pursuing a lawsuit but are focused on achieving accountability to prevent similar future losses.
The loss has deeply affected Adichie, who expressed that Nigeria no longer feels like home. Despite this personal shift and the pain associated with the country, the family intends to return. This decision is primarily driven by their surviving children's strong emotional ties to Nigeria, which they consider their "happy place."
