Residents seek $100,000 to support US-based Nigerian family after son’s death

Residents of Murrieta Community, California, are seeking $100,000 in financial support to assist the family of a 13-year-old Nigerian boy, Nnamdi Ohaeri Jr., fondly known as Deuce, who was found dead in his room on February 3.

A Murrieta resident, Jessica Anderson, created a GoFundMe account on behalf of the US-based Nigerian family, stating that the funds would be used to “honour” the deceased teenager.

The 13-year-old boy was reportedly found unresponsive in his room by his parents, prompting his mother to perform CPR while his father called 911 and rushed to a neighbour for help.

According to a report by the California-based television station, KTLA, on February 21, 2025, seen by PUNCH Metro on Monday, the teenager was later pronounced dead, with an unconfirmed report that he had taken his own life.

However, his parents said it didn’t make sense, arguing that Deuce was always optimistic about the future and excited about what lay ahead.

The report indicated that his parents started investigating and asking questions, eventually uncovering that the teenager had learnt about a social media challenge where children attempted to make themselves pass out.

While the state police department had yet to release a statement regarding the cause of the incident, KTLA reported that the family believed Deuce died after taking part in a social media challenge where children attempted to make themselves pass out.

“I heard something where this young person tried to make themselves pass out, and I guess they came back from it,” Ohaeri Sr. told the TV station.

The family asserted that Deuce had no social media accounts and that his phone was equipped with strict parental controls, leading them to suspect he may have heard about the challenge from classmates at school.

 Meanwhile, in a message posted on the GoFundMe page, Anderson wrote, “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

“We want to honour the treasure that was the beloved Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., ‘Deuce.” A vibrant, kind, loving, beautiful young man, a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a friend, a teammate, a bandmate, a leader, and an athlete who had a passion and incredible talent for football, who meant so much to so many, and will be so very deeply missed.

“Should you want to contribute to the Ohaeri family, who have given of themselves so much to this community, as they navigate the toughest, most unimaginable loss, it would be so deeply appreciated.

“Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as we respect their space and privacy.”

As of Monday, when this correspondent checked the GoFundMe account created to raise $100,000, approximately $75,800 had been donated to support the family.

Meanwhile, relatives and loved ones of the grieving family continue to share their condolences and contributions on the platform. Marrita Jeffrey, for example, described Deuce as “a gift to all, and in your home, he was your light that shined bright.”

Offering words of comfort, she assured the family, “I want you to know that when you can’t find faith, I will stand for you. When you can’t pray, I will pray for you. I love you all so much.”

Another mourner, Michael Vaez, expressed his sorrow, saying, *“My heart aches for this family. Perspective is so important to me. For all of us, the kids are the reason we do what we do. When we lose one, it breaks me. Words are not enough… Our donation (MVYB) is indicative of my (our) feelings about our community and the boys and girls we support. And I (we) do so with great respect, gratitude, and immense sorrow. Our best wishes to the family and prayers for all.”

Additionally, the Chike and Genine Amajoyi family, who contributed $1,250 to the fundraiser, shared their heartfelt message: “Genine, Alia, and I love you guys and continue to keep you in our prayers. We are here for you and always will be. I am so sorry for your loss…”

PUNCH Metro learnt from the GoFundMe page on Monday that the family held a funeral for the teenager on February 14, 2025.