While the cause of his death remains unclear, his sister and co-stars confirmed his passing on social media.
His sister, Nkem Ndefo, expressed her sorrow on Facebook: “Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace.”
Ndefo, a Yale graduate, was known for his role as Bodie Wells, Katie Holmes’ character’s brother-in-law, on Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2002. He also appeared in Stargate SG-1 from 2000 to 2005. Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian parents, he had roles in The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Crossing Jordan, and The District.
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Gale Leery on Dawson’s Creek, paid tribute to Ndefo on Instagram, saying: “These words don’t come easy. It’s hard for me to believe you’ve left us, my dear friend. You were and will always be a bright shining light. Your example of love and tenacity in the face of recent challenges is inspiring. I will cherish our messages of support over the years. Rest in peace, sweet warrior.”
Ndefo’s passing follows a severe accident on August 17, 2019, when he was hit by a car while loading groceries into his parked vehicle in Los Angeles. An SUV veered off course, severing his right leg and severely injuring his left leg, which was later amputated.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Ndefo told the Los Angeles Times, “How do you know how you would handle this? … And anyway, what’s the alternative? … This is just so horrendous what happened to me, why would I compound this by feeling bad about it?”
“There is no other choice for me. 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.’”
