Monday, August 8, 2011

African Iconic Actor Sam Loco passes on at 66

LAGOS—Ace  multitalented actor Sam Loco Efe died yesterday in his room at the Rapour Hotel, Amakaohai along Orlu road in Owerri, Imo state shortly after returning from location. He was in Owerri, to direct a film titled “Unknown Prophet”. Sam Loco was said to have asked the cast and crew of the new film to return to their hotel rooms, hoping to continue the shooting the following morning.

His colleagues who were worried when he didn’t come down for breakfast had alerted the hotel management and after  banging on the door of his room, forced the door open only to discover his lifeless body on the bed. There were conflicting reports as to the real state of health before his demise. While some said he was hale and hearty before his demise, others said he was ill while on the movie set.

Eye witness account said the Edo State born actor had gone to sleep after concluding the day’s shooting and was reported to have complained of a heart problem. He had earlier shared his usual jokes with colleagues before retiring to his room. Sam Loco 66, died less than a month after the remains of another veteran actor Ashley Nwosu was laid to rest in his home town, in Umuahia.
President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Arinze  and Chairman, AGN, Enugu State chapter, Mr Ofiafuluagu Mbaka  confirmed his death . They described the late actor as “a gentleman and a seasoned actor,”adding that the industry has lost a rare gem.” “It is very shocking and sad indeed. The industry has not finished mourning the sudden death of Ashley Nwosu, before another death occurred. I’m heartbroken. I’m confused, I cannot talk now”, lamented Arinze.
Source: Vanguardngr.com