Health

Actor Daniel Mickelson’s Cause Of Death Confirmed

Actor Daniel Mickelson’s cause of death confirmed three months after he died aged 23

Actor Daniel Mickelson’s death has been ruled as a “cocaine and fentanyl toxicity” overdose.

The rising star died three months ago on July 4 at the age of 23.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed the cause of death. Officials say that the manner of his death was ruled an accident.

Daniel is best known for his role in the TV series Mani, as well as indie horror film The Killer Clown Meets the Candy Man.

His sister, model Meredith Mickelson, confirmed his death at the time of his passing in a touching tribute posted on Instagram.

Alongside a series of throwback snaps, she wrote at the time: “My heart is shattered & to write this feels so wrong and i don’t even know what to say.

“Yesterday i lost my brother, best friend & the other half of my heart. There wasn’t a person i loved more on this earth. there’s no words that can do him justice that i could write.”

The 22-year-old concluded her post: “To know him was to love him. he was the happiest brightest smiley most sunshine human to exist and I’m so happy God chose me to be his sister for his whole amazing life.”

His death sent shockwaves through the industry, with many stars passing on messages of condolences on the post.

“Praying for you,” Jordyn Woods wrote, while Amelia Hamlin said: “I love you forever daniel.”

Model Kaia Gerber also took to her Instagram Stories at the time to post a screenshot of a FaceTime call she had with Daniel.

Alongside it she wrote: “I remember that time we sat on the couch and spent the whole day coming up with our own secret language that we continued to speak every time we saw each other.

“I wish we could go back there. I wish we were still talking in sentences that probably annoyed everyone else but made us crack up every time.

“I wish I was still sitting on my bathroom floor because that was the only place I had wifi and I never wanted to miss a call from you.

“Thank you for being the reason for so much laughter and happiness in the world. It won’t be the same without you here. I love you Daniel.”

Daniel’s girlfriend posted a heartfelt tribute, which read: “You lit up every room with your contagious smile and never failed to make anyone happy.

“There wasn’t one day that went by where you didn’t go out of your way to make me feel special and loved.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to get through this but I’m going to be strong for you because I know it’s what you would have wanted. Everything I do now is for you.”

Health

Yobe confirms 4 new polio cases

The Yobe Government has confirmed four new cases of polio in three Local Government Areas three years after the state was declared polio-free.

The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Babagana Kundi-Machina, made this disclosure while launching a campaign against the disease in Machina, a border LGA with Niger Republic, on Saturday.

He said that the State Government, in collaboration with its partners, had launched a state-wide outbreak response and vaccination exercise to address the situation.

“It is unfortunate that after three years of being certified polio-free, we have recorded a circulating polio virus outbreak in Bursari, Machina, and Yusufari LGAs,” Kundi-Machina said.

The State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Hamisu Alhassan, pledged the organisation’s support to the state toward curbing the outbreak.

He called on the public to adopt preventive measures, including personal and environmental hygiene, hand washing, and immunisation to boost immunity and promote good health, especially among women and children.

On his part, the Emir of Machina, Alhaji Bashir Machinama, urged his people to cooperate with the government by accepting the vaccine.

Machinama thanked the State Government for its prompt response and pledged to sensitise his community to take relevant steps to contain the disease.

Health

Cholera kills 11 in Ebonyi

A cholera outbreak in Ndibokote village, located in the Ezza Inyimagu area of Izzi Local Government, has claimed the lives of 10 people, including a nursing mother who leaves behind a nine-month-old baby.

The outbreak, confirmed by Ebonyi State Health Commissioner Dr. Moses Ekuma through a statement issued by ministry spokesperson Lucy Anyim, has affected approximately 20 others who are currently receiving treatment. Health officials are working diligently to contain the disease and prevent further spread in the community.

Dr. Ekuma noted that Governor Francis Nwifuru has approved the procurement of essential medical supplies to manage the crisis.

Additionally, three treatment centers have been established in the affected area, including Iziogo Health Centre, Sudan Mission Onuenyim, and a facility in Ndibokote village.

Open defecation and poor hygiene practices, along with reliance on stream water for drinking, are believed to be contributing factors to the outbreak.

Residents have been urged to follow precautionary measures to reduce the risk of further infections. Health authorities are on high alert to ensure the situation remains under control.

Health

Fubara approves employment of 2,000 Medical personnel

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has approved the recruitment of 2,000 medical personnel and the payment of three years’ outstanding scholarship entitlements for medical students.

A press statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, highlighted Fubara’s dedication to reversing the decline in academic standards in the state.

The Governor noted that in previous years, Rivers children were highly regarded for their academic excellence, a reputation that has since diminished due to the growing reward for mediocrity. Fubara vowed to restore this legacy.

Upon assuming office, Fubara said he was confronted with unpaid scholarship entitlements for medical students at the Rivers State University and that without hesitation, he authorized the release of funds, ensuring that students could continue their studies without frustration.

The Governor made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the accreditation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), led by its Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The delegation also included key officials from Rivers State University and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh.

Fubara emphasized the importance of infrastructure and support for academic growth, aiming to restore Rivers State’s status as a hub for educational excellence.

He expressed his disappointment in the current societal trend of valuing cultism over intellectual achievement but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to change this narrative.

During the meeting, Fubara also noted that 1,000 medical personnel would be employed through the Rivers State Health Management Board, while the remaining 1,000 would be engaged by the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

He reiterated his commitment to promoting quality medical training and explained that his administration understands the financial challenges associated with medical education.

Dr. Fatima Kyari, speaking on behalf of MDCN, lauded the state’s commitment to infrastructure and training, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high standard of medical education. She encouraged the state to further develop research opportunities to compete on a global scale.

Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his unprecedented support, stating that the university is now a top choice in Nigeria and that the College of Medical Sciences has significantly boosted its national and international reputation.