Obi Ndefo, the actor recognized for his portrayal of Bodie Wells in the well-known TV show “Dawson’s Creek,” passed away on August 28, 2024 in a Los Angeles hospital. His sister, Nkem Ndefo, announced the news of his death on Facebook on August 31, sharing a picture with her brother and expressing her sorrow.
In her Facebook post, Nkem wrote, “Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace.” On Monday, a post on her X account gave his cause of death saying that his “heart gave out in his longstanding battle against the eating disorder orthorexia.” Orthorexia has been defined as an unhealthy obsession with only eating healthy or pure foods, possibly leading to the elimination of many different categories of food.
The actor’s death occurred five years after a devastating hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles, California, which led to the amputation of both his legs. On August 17, 2019, Ndefo was hit by a car outside Erewhon Market while loading groceries into his car. The accident ended in the loss of his right leg and severe injury to his left, which was later amputated at the hospital.
Mary-Margaret Humes, Ndefo’s “Dawson’s Creek” co-star, honored him on Instagram. She shared a collection of videos showing Ndefo on set, and wrote, “These words don’t come easy 💔It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend. You always were and always will be a bright shining light. What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent.”
A GoFundMe campaign was started following the 2019 accident to aid Ndefo with his medical bills and the expense of prosthetic legs. The campaign was met with substantial support, raising over $287,000 to offset costs not covered by his insurance.
Despite the life-changing injuries, Ndefo displayed outstanding resilience. In a 2019 discussion with the Los Angeles Times, he expressed his determination to conquer the obstacles he faced. “I couldn’t live in this world without becoming sort of like an Olympic athlete of certain things, you know — of kindness and of health — because there is no other choice for me,” Ndefo said. “So there’s a sort of rigor to me, and I think, ‘OK my legs are severed. I don’t know how to do this, but I know how to do this.'”
Just over a month following the accident, Ndefo resumed physical activity, focusing on upper-body workouts in the gym. This commitment to his health and recovery was a testament to his positive approach to adversity.
Prior to the accident, Ndefo was known for his athletic lifestyle. The loss of his legs didn’t prevent him from maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. He continued teaching yoga and stayed committed to his personal health.
Beyond “Dawson’s Creek,” where he acted from 1998 to 2002, Ndefo’s acting career included roles in several other TV series, such as “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Stargate SG-1.” His ability and diversity as an actor enabled him to take on a variety of roles across different genres.
Ndefo also held a passion for arts education. He founded the non-profit organization, Arts Alliance for Humanity, which promotes arts education programs in public schools and communities. This initiative demonstrated Ndefo’s dedication to giving back and nurturing creativity in youth.
The driver behind the 2019 hit-and-run, identified as 25-year-old John Michael Maese at the time, was apprehended a day after the incident. Maese faced charges including driving under the influence, driving with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, and hit-and-run resulting in injury.
Ndefo’s journey post-accident was an inspiration to many. He concentrated on his recovery and continued to follow his passions, such as acting and writing. In 2021, he appeared in an episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” highlighting his determination to continue his craft despite the physical challenges.
At the time of his death, Ndefo was reportedly working on a new series named “Dream Big,” further attesting to his continued dedication to his creative pursuits.