Nollywood actor, Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope have been confirmed dead alongside three colleagues who were involved in boat accident while shooting a movie in Delta state.
The news of his death was shared on Wednesday, April 10, by filmmaker, Samuel Olatunji. He mentioned that the actor, along with three others, tragically lost their lives when their boat capsized.
Sam via his Instagram page wrote: “Four actors including Jnr Pope fell into Anam River on their way to location and their bodies have been recovered. What a sad day for Nollywood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Multiple sources confirm this sad development to us.”
It was gathered that the four persons reported dead were without a life jacket when the incident happened. Whereas those with a life jacket were rescued eventually.
A video shared on social media showed where he was cautioning the boat driver, telling him that he has three children and he is the one to raise them so he should be careful.
He said ” Na only me dem born, bros abeg, na only me dem born. I get three children and na me go raise them, bros abeg, take am small small, I no lie this is a risk”
Unfortunately, the it all falls in deaf ears as the boat driver kept speeding until the tragic event happened.
The actor is known to show off his wife and children and he puts in effort to interpret his movie roles. Aside from being a movie star, Junior Pope is also involved in skit-making and he gets the attention of his fans with his videos. He was aged 39.
Colleagues in the industry alongside fans have mourned the tragic departure of the nollywood star.
Reactions
Nollywood legend Kanayo O. Kanayo wrote on his social handle ” The news about Junior Pope can’t be true. Prayer up”
@darlingtonnwobodo_: “Omo this guy posted a video some hours ago while He was on the boat saying the captain of the boat should take it easy that He is an only child and He also has 3 boys to raise. Ah! This news should better not be true o.”
Reacting to the video he made shortly before the incident happened, someone wrote: “He was already unsettled, as if he saw what was coming. Negligence has sent a lot of people to their early graves more than any other thing… No life jacket, no life guard in case of emergency. (Who does that in his voice). Now Junior pope is nowhere to raise his three children?? I wish this was acting, but sadly it is not. May God rest his soul.”
A Facebook user, Raphy LivingAngel wrote: He was just telling the Mami water how precious and important his life was to him, that supported the saying that fear of death causes death. Too bad, much love Jnr Pope. Rise again if possible!
