Content creator Esther Thomas, widely known as Sunshine, has been laid to rest in Lagos after her sudden death earlier this month.
Sunshine died on January 9, at the age of 34 following complications from surgery to remove fibroids.
Her family announced her death on social media, saying, “We the family of Esther Thomas (A.K.A Sunshine), with pain in our hearts, regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved sister and daughter … who passed away on January 9, 2026, after an unsuccessful surgery.”
Friends said Sunshine had been suffering severe stomach pain from late December 2025. She was first taken to Orchid General Hospital in Lagos, where she reportedly received only pain relief because of a nationwide doctors’ strike. She was later moved to another medical facility on January 2, where tests showed she had a large fibroid and doctors advised surgery.
A fellow creator said, “According to the doctor, the surgery was successful, but she later developed complications that led to her death.”
Sunshine built a large online following with her skits, modelling work, brand partnerships and video appearances. In the days after her passing, friends and colleagues appealed to the public for support to give her a proper burial.
Her burial rites began at Lagos Island General Hospital in Marina on Wednesday. Sunshine’s remains were taken in procession to Atan Cemetery in Yaba, where family members, friends and fellow creators were present for the interment.
A cleric present at the graveside urged those gathered to find strength and comfort as they said their final goodbyes to the content creator.
Sunshine was remembered by many online as a creative voice in Nigeria’s digital entertainment space whose sudden death sparked discussions about access to quality healthcare.
