Dawson’s Creek actor Obi Ndefo dead at 51 – years after losing both legs in hit-and-run crash

Dawson’s Creek star Obi Ndefo has died at the age of 51, five years after losing both legs in a horrific accident, his sister has confirmed.

The actor’s cause of death is unknown, but his sister and co-stars confirmed his passing in heartfelt tributes on social media.

“Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing that he has finally found peace,” his sister Nkem Ndefo said on Saturday Facebook.

Ndefo, a Yale graduate, starred in Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2002, where he played the brother-in-law of Katie Holmes’ character.

Between 2000 and 2005 he also appeared in Stargate SG-1.

The actor also appeared in episodes of The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Crossing Jordan and The District.

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother Gale Leery on the show, dedicated a Instagram post to Ndefo.

“These words do not come easily,” she said. “It is hard for me to comprehend that you have left us, my dear friend. You have always been and will always be a bright shining light. What an example of pure, unfiltered love and tenacity you have set as you have faced the challenges of life in recent times.

“I will cherish all of our expressions of love and support for each other over the years. Rest in peace, dear warrior.”

Ndefo was seriously injured in a collision in August 2019. Surgeons had to amputate his legs – one was completely shattered and the other partially severed.

He was loading a cooler into his trunk outside an Erewhon Market on Beverly Boulevard when a drunk driver swerved out of his lane and hit him, the Los Angeles Times.