Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan has expressed her condolences following the death of former AFC Leopards striker, Ezekiel Otuoma.
The footballer, who had been battling motor neurone disease for several years, succumbed to the illness on Friday, December 20, 2024.
Zari took to her Instagram on Saturday, December 21, 2024, to share her sympathies and offer words of support to Otuoma’s widow, Rachel.
The South African-based socialite noted that she had only come to know about Otuoma and Rachel earlier that day through TikTok where the news of his death had been highly publicized.
Moved by the couple’s love story, Zari expressed deep admiration for the strength and bond they shared.
“Another day to cry with strangers. My heart is bleeding. Learnt about them this morning on TikTok. Rest easy champ, praying for you Rachel,” Zari wrote.
Otuoma’s widow
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, Rachel shared the heartbreaking news of her husband’s passing with a touching tribute on TikTok.
“To my Husband. You left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift, and I’ll cherish it always. It will never be the same without you by my side,” she wrote.
Adding;
“Though it was so soon, that really broke my heart. You left on my birthday—it will never be the same again. You never said I was leaving or even showed a sigh. You never said goodbye. In life, I loved you dearly; in death, I love you still. In my heart, you hold a place that only you can fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone—a part of me went with you. Meet again.”
The sad news came hours after Rachel had celebrated her birthday.
She had made a wish before blowing off the birthday cake candles for her her hubby’s recovery.
“I just want to make a wish before nipulize (I blow off the candle). I want to make a wish. My wish is to see my hubby on his feet again. I just wish that God atu grand tu hiyo healing. That is the only wish I’m praying for—healing for my hubby,” Rachel said.
