Esther Thomas, the Nigerian content creator popularly known as Sunshine, has died following complications from fibroid surgery.
Gatekeepers News reports that her death was confirmed on Saturday through a statement shared by her family on her Instagram page. The family said Sunshine passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, after undergoing surgery for fibroid.
The family said, “With pain in our hearts, we regret to announce the sudden passing of our beloved sister and daughter, Esther Thomas, also known as Sunshine. She passed away on January 9, 2026, after complications from an unsuccessful surgery”, adding that burial arrangements would be announced later.
A fellow content creator, Chidera Madu, provided further details in a Facebook post, stating that Sunshine first complained of severe stomach pain on December 28, 2025. He said the pain worsened days later and medical tests revealed that she had fibroid.
According to him, she was initially admitted to Orchid General Hospital, where she was placed on medication. However, due to an ongoing doctors’ strike, she was reportedly given only pain relief before being transferred to another hospital on January 2 for further treatment.
Madu said doctors later advised surgery after her condition deteriorated. Although the operation was described as successful, Sunshine reportedly developed post-surgery complications and died shortly after.
Sunshine was well known on social media for her comedy skits and short videos, which earned her a growing fan base. She also worked as a model, brand influencer, and video vixen, collaborating with several creatives in the entertainment space.
Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes online, with fans and colleagues mourning her and raising renewed conversations about access to timely healthcare and the dangers of untreated fibroid complications.
