A Nigerian Catholic priest, Reverend Benjamin Madu of the Diocese of Abakaliki, has died in Massachusetts after his religious worker visa approached expiration, church officials confirmed.
Madu, who served as a hospital chaplain and parish priest in Massachusetts since 2021, was preparing to return to Nigeria this month. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office stated foul play is not suspected, while sources indicate he died by suicide.
Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston extended condolences to the priest’s family and congregations. Tuesday would have marked the 25th anniversary of Madu’s ordination.