Popular Fashion Designer And Transgender, Fola Francis, Is Dead, Cause Of Death Emerges

Popular Nigerian fashion designer and Transgender, Fola Francis, has reportedly passes away in Lagos.

VerseNews reports that the Fashion designer died on 20th December 2023 after drowning on a visit to a beach in Lagos.

In 2022, she became the first Nigerian transperson to walk the Lagos Fashion Week for Cute-Saint and Fruché

The heartbreaking news of her death was confirmed in a statement issued the her family on Thursday night.

“It is great sadness that we announce the death of our best friend, sister, Fola Francis who drowned on Wednesday, 20^th of December 2023.

“Fola Francis was a beacon of hope and a light to us and a lot of other people and we’re deeply hurt by her passing.

“There’ll be a memorial which will be discussed at a later date, and we – her family and friends –ask for privacy at this time. Thank you,” the statement reads

Reacting to the sad news, fans and friends pour their heartfelt tributes on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.

@okayamam_ wrote; “fola francis was a powerhouse in every sense of the word. may her legacy live on and her soul rest in perfect peace 🫂”

@thechikehosan wrote; “This just stings, I only met her once, but her energy was contagious and warm, yet you did not need to meet her to be inspired and awed by her. You lit a flame, may it keep burning brightly.” Rest in Glory, Fola Francis”

@TheIgboWolf wrote; “Rest well Fola Francis, always a ray of Joy and happiness 🕊️”

@iconic_dumebi wrote; “I never got to meet Fola Francis personally but her good works were everywhere. The representation and reputation she gave trans women in Nigeria was different from the cliche we see online. This loss is sad and heart breaking but she made her mark. Rest well queen.“

@IFYGOLD49237214 wrote “Ahh! Fola Francis? How? Chaii! This life sha! This one will touch Angel 😢 I followed her on IG after that her interview with Angel and I like her content oh! Oh,noooo! 🕊️💔”

@owuraku_jnr wrote; “I really was hoping we’d meet one day. I was so certain our paths would cross, and it did when we started engaging each other on TikTok. I felt so inspired and happy to see her live in love and with a community of support. nahh this is really tragic. Rest well Fola Francis”

@odionakhes wrote; “My sincere Heartfelt thoughts go out to the family and friends of Fola Francis in this time of sorrow.her legacy of love and acceptance will continue to inspire. Rest in peace beautiful, remarkable and unforgettable Fola❤️❤️”

@uyiosaajayi_ wrote; “Everytime I saw her she was either smiling or laughing. May God rest her soul. She did so much good for the community. Sending so much love to those who knew her deeply. Rest in peace Fola Francis, you will continue to live on as a star”