Tragedy has struck the Nigerian entertainment industry as rising Nollywood star, Pat Ugwu, has passed away. With a promising career marked by notable roles and a dedicated fan base, Ugwu’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the film community, leaving colleagues, friends, and admirers to mourn the loss of a talented actress whose potential was only beginning to unfold.

Nollywood actress Pat Ugwu has passed away at the age of 35.

Her colleague, Emeka Okoye, shared the sad news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, which included a funeral poster with details of her final rites.

In his message of grief, he wrote: 
“Rest in peace, sis. Pat Ugwu. @patpat_ugwu, so we won’t get to work together again? Why, Death? God, please! Rest in peace, Pat. May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

Okoye expressed concerns about the rising number of losses in the industry, stating: “God, please protect all my colleagues, especially those I am close to. This unusual occurrence of death is frightening. I proclaim life over everyone close to me in 2025, in the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.”

The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

Several Nollywood stars, including Rita Edochie, Destiny Etiko, Nkechi Blessing, and Kevin Mike, have reacted to the heartbreaking news.

Destiny Etiko expressed her shock by stating, “Jesus, no!” while Kevin Mike took to Instagram to share, “Chai, I just woke up this morning to hear the news about the death of one of our crew and cast members, @patpat_ugwu. Rest in peace, dear.”

Pat Ugwu, who lost her father in 2021, is scheduled to be laid to rest on February 7, 2025.