Obi Ndefo, known for his role as Bodie Wells on the popular television series “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at the age of 51. The actor’s sister, Nkem Ndefo, confirmed his passing on Facebook on Saturday, August 31, 2024, sharing a selfie with her brother and expressing her grief.

“Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace,” Nkem wrote in her post. The cause of Ndefo’s death was not immediately disclosed.

Ndefo’s passing comes five years after a life-altering hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles that resulted in the loss of both of his legs. On August 17, 2019, Ndefo was struck by a car outside Erewhon Market while loading groceries into his vehicle. The collision severed his right leg and severely injured his left, which was later amputated at the hospital.

Mary-Margaret Humes, Ndefo’s co-star from “Dawson’s Creek,” paid tribute to the actor on Instagram. Sharing several videos of Ndefo on set, Humes 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.”

Following the 2019 accident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Ndefo with medical expenses and the cost of prosthetic legs. The fundraiser garnered significant support, raising over $287,000 to cover expenses not covered by his insurance.

Despite the devastating injuries, Ndefo demonstrated remarkable resilience. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2019, he shared his determination to overcome the challenges 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.'”

Ndefo’s strength was evident in his swift return to physical activity. Just 36 days after the accident, he was back in the gym, focusing on upper-body workouts. This commitment to his health and recovery exemplified his positive outlook in the face of adversity.

Before the accident, Ndefo was known for his athletic lifestyle. The loss of his legs did not deter him from maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. He continued to teach yoga and remained dedicated to his personal well-being.

Ndefo’s acting career extended beyond his role on “Dawson’s Creek,” which he played from 1998 to 2002. He appeared in several other popular television series, including “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Stargate SG-1.” His talent and versatility as an actor allowed him to take on diverse roles across different genres.

In addition to his acting career, Ndefo was also passionate about arts education. He founded the non-profit organization Arts Alliance for Humanity, which supports arts education programs in public schools and communities. This initiative demonstrated Ndefo’s commitment to giving back and fostering creativity in young people.

The driver responsible for the 2019 hit-and-run was identified as John Michael Maese, who was 25 years old at the time. Maese was arrested a day after the incident and 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 following the accident inspired many. He focused on his recovery and continued to pursue his passions, including acting and writing. In 2021, he appeared in an episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” showcasing his determination to continue his craft despite the physical challenges he faced.

At the time of his passing, Ndefo was reportedly working on a new series titled “Dream Big,” further demonstrating his ongoing commitment to his creative pursuits.