Samuel Sarpong Jr., a former co-host of MTV’s “Yo Momma” and model, died Monday after jumping off the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, California, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said. He was 40.
According to a statement from the Pasadena Police Department, a witness reported seeing a man standing on the outside of the railing of the Colorado Bridge on Monday morning. Officers responded to the scene and closed the area off.
While police were talking to Sarpong, members of his family arrived, police said, and provided information on his emotional state to the authorities.
Sarpong was born in London and as a youngster moved to the United States with his father.
Sarpong’s career as an actor earned him appearances in films like 2003’s “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” and on various TV shows including “My So Called Life,” “24” and “Bones.”
Until his shocking death, Sarpong had a series of small roles in movies and TV shows, including “Bones” and “Boston Public” and co-hosted MTV’s 2006 show, “Yo Momma.” He also played Omoni Oboli’s husband in the movie, Anchor Baby. He was also a model for Tommy Hilfiger and other fashion brands, and was the first black male model to do a Louis Vuitton editorial campaign.
He is survived by his father and his sister June Sarpong.
Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli has been devastated by his death and took to Instagram to express her hurtful feeling, where she wrote:
Have mercy Lord!!! I have been balling my eyes out for the last hour! I can’t deal with this! God knows I can’t! My husband in the movie ‘Anchor Baby’ gone like that! I have never met a more positive guy in my whole life! He’s the most genuine, God fearing, lovable character you’ll ever meet. What is in this life now? all the hustle! Over! Just like that! I’m MISERABLE! God speed Fam! Rest in the bosom of The Lord!?
