Nigerian content creator Esther Thomas, known to fans as “Sunshine,” died on Jan. 9, her family announced in a statement posted to Instagram. 

The family said Thomas “suddenly passed away” after undergoing surgery to remove a fibroid. The post, shared Jan. 10, said the family was “trying to put things in place so we could put her to rest.” 

Thomas, who built a combined following of nearly 500,000 across Instagram and Facebook for her comedic skits and collaborations, began experiencing stomach pain on Dec. 28 that worsened into early January, according to a video posted by collaborator Chidera Madu. After scans, doctors determined that her fibroid had “grown so big,” and they recommended surgery to remove it. Madu said doctors described the operation as “successful,” but he believes she later experienced complications.

Thomas regularly collaborated with other Nigerian internet personalities, including Ifedilimuo Ifeanyi Prosper and Lucy Antem, and was recognized for comedic skit videos that circulated widely across platforms. Fans and fellow creators posted tributes in the Instagram comments on the family’s announcement. 

One close friend commented, “Never in my wildest dream did I even think of typing (RIP) to my closest friend let alone on my birthday of all day, that sunshine my friend cannot sing 🎶 happy birthday song to me today as usual 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 my whole day shattered waking up to such news on my day after telling me on Thursday she was getting better when I called, the first time I felt this way was when I lost my mom.”

Many fans and friends couldn’t believe the tragic news. One commenter wrote, “Was actually hoping the news was fake💔 i cant even explain how i feel rn but tbvh this one really touch me😔 you were such a nice, dedicated and very hardworking person, my deepest condolences to your family during this period🙏🏾 and may you find rest and peace in the bosom of the lord my dear sunshine ❤️🕊️.”

As the family works to make funeral arrangements, social-media tributes have continued to highlight Thomas’ role in Nigeria’s thriving creator community and the frequent collaborations that helped her gain popularity online.