Three years after the tragic death of Big Brother Naija star and singer Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey, his management and fans have paid emotional tributes to his memory.
In a heartfelt post shared on Monday on X, the management described Rico as a beacon of love and creativity, saying his memory “blooms like a garden of everlasting flowers.”
“On this 3rd anniversary, we remember not just your departure, but the life you lived and the love you gave. Keep resting, Rico,” the post read.
Rico, who featured in BBNaija Double Wahala in 2018, died on October 13, 2022, two days after he was involved in a car accident in Lagos.
Tributes poured in on social media on Monday as fans shared old photos of the reality TV star, describing him as “gentle, talented, and full of life.”
Many fans expressed disbelief that three years had passed since his death.
A user named Vampz wrote, “3 years gone, his memory still lives on. Keep resting, Rico Swavey.”
God Frey added, “Can’t believe it’s been 3 years! Keep resting Rico 🕊️.”
Cleenteen wrote, “And just like that, it’s three years already. So many have forgotten about him and that’s the reality of life here on earth. You can rise to the highest point, but the moment you go six feet below, everything you were is buried, and your memory becomes blurry every waking dawn. Keep resting Rico.”
Another user, Juwex, commented, “I randomly remembered Rico this morning. It’s been three long years already. Keep resting.”
Rico’s death came after he sustained severe injuries in a lone accident at the Abraham Adesanya junction in Ajah. Witnesses said his car somersaulted several times before crashing.
His family later accused the hospitals he was taken to of negligence, alleging that delays in treatment contributed to his death.
Rico’s mother, Halima Hassan, also spoke publicly about her struggle since the incident. In an interview with WithChude, she said, “I was depressed and taken to a psychiatric hospital after Rico Swavey died.”
The actor and singer was buried in Lagos on October 20, 2022, with several BBNaija alumni, including Alex Unusual, Dorathy Bachor, Tobi Bakre and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, in attendance.
