Shock and sadness gripped the Awka community on Tuesday as Reverend Father Anthony Udogu of the Catholic Diocese of Awka suddenly slumped and died while playing lawn tennis.
The Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, confirmed the tragic incident in an official statement released shortly after the event.
“With faith in the resurrection of the Lord, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the demise of our brother priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Udogu, whose sudden death occurred in the early hours of today,” the statement read.
According to Fr. Ndubuisi, the priest collapsed mid-game and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Until his passing, Fr. Udogu was the Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi in Awka and served as the Dean of Awka Deanery II. He was widely respected for his pastoral dedication, leadership, and service to the community.
The Diocese offered its heartfelt condolences to his family, parishioners, and all those mourning his loss, and noted that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
“May the soul of Rev. Fr. Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.