By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Nollywood actor Francis Duru has shared a heart-wrenching tribute to his late son, Ifeanyi on what would have been his 16th birthday.
Ifeanyi died on 8 August, 2024 when he was still 15 years. He would have been 16 years today, 4 December, 2024.
The emotional post, shared on his Instagram account, captures the depth of grief and the enduring love of a father mourning his child.
“Nna… today, you were going to be 16, but the cold hands of death snatched you from us,” Duru began, expressing the immense pain of losing a son who had been filled with excitement for the milestone day.
He reflected on the fond memories of his son, describing him as irreplaceable and a source of warmth and affirmation.
In the poignant post, Duru shared how the loss had deeply affected their family’s daily life, saying the school bus no longer stops at their home, and even simple acts, like eating bread, now held bittersweet memories.
The actor also revealed how his son’s absence continued to haunt not just the family but also his friends, whose eyes still carry unanswered questions about his tragic passing.
“Your fond memories comfort us all,” he wrote. “Mummy weeps each day while I do mine in the dark. Frances and Soso, all of us… Grandma has your picture always. We still love you and still feel you are around.”
The heartfelt tribute drew an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans, with actors like Okey Bakassi, Charles Inojie, and Empress Njamah offering words of comfort.
Fellow Nollywood star May Yul-Edochie wrote, “Living with it is the only option. The pain never goes away. I believe he is in a good place.”
Other fans and colleagues also left messages of encouragement and prayers, including, “May God continue to strengthen your family,” and “Rest in the bosom of the Lord, young champ.”
Francis Duru ended his message with a bittersweet farewell, wishing his son a happy posthumous birthday while praying for his eternal rest.
