SouthSudanese/US Man Who Went to See Family in Ethiopia Dies Months after Visit

• When Chol Okey Opiew flew out of Minnesota a few months ago, everyone knew he would be back after his visit
• That, however, did not happen as the middle-aged man died while visiting his family members in Ethiopia
• Chol has been hailed as a man who not only loved his family but also reached out to help members of the community

The Austin community in Minnesota, United States, is mourning the death of Chol Okey Opiew, whose life came to an end while in Pinyudo, Ethiopia.

Chol, who attended Riverland Community College, is a long-time Austin resident and a great leader in the Sudanese as well as the community at large.

According to Oballa O Oballa^[1], Chol went to visit his family^[2] in Ethiopia a few months ago, only for it to end up being his last-ever visit.

"Please pray for his children who are still with us here in Austin Minnesota. This is a great loss to our community," mourned Oballa.

Born in Akobo, South Sudan, Chol immigrated from Ethiopia to the United States at 20 years old to pursue a better life where he worked multiple jobs, got involved with the Anyuak congregation, and helped do interpretations for families in the public.

He was involved in the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) for a long time and was named the first chairperson of the chapter in Austin in 2006, advocating for peace in Sudan until South Sudan gained independence in 2011.

"On Wednesday, November 24, he was brutally murdered in Pinyudo, Ethiopia. The motive is currently unknown but the government is investigating and the suspect is currently in custody," Oballa told Hillary Lisimba.

Chol left behind six children; Opiew, Ochain, Okey, Cham, Awillie, and Mary Okey.

Hailed as a community person

Chol has been hailed as one of the great leaders in the community who worked to help those that struggled.

He is also said to have been a positive role model of how to make a better life for his family, with a joy-filled smile and care for all people.

"He was so proud of his kids. I remember visiting homes, African churches, and reaching out to the community together. I learned a lot from your endless heart for others," mourned Dan Mueller, the Outreach Coordinator at Bethlehem Church in Austin.

Condolences

Ojoye Akane:

"We have lost you so soon. You were a great leader in Austin. A man of his words. Austin misses you Choul. Only God knows why this is happening."

Kristi Beckman:

"I am so sorry to hear this. He has always been so kind and such a wonderful partner to the schools. He will be missed."

Opiew Moli Cham

"Life is so unpredictable. It is really heartbreaking to see someone passing like that."

Odolla Olak Ochalla:

"This is absolutely shocking. May God Almighty rest his soul in peace and comfort his family as well as the entire Anywaa community."

One dies, two found unconscious on trip to Turkey

In an almost similar story, there was devastation in Northern Irish families after a man died and two of his friends fell critically ill after a dental tourism trip to Turkey.

Thirty-three-year-old Richard Molloy was found dead in the Turkish port city of Marmaris^[3] while his friends Declan Carson and Aaron Callaghan were discovered unconscious in the trio’s rented apartment.

The news came as a shock to family and friends as the three had shared photos of themselves on a boat at the resort the previous day.

Source: Tuko^[4]

References

1. ^{^} According to Oballa O Oballa (web.facebook.com)
2. ^{^} family (www.tuko.co.ke)
3. ^{^} Richard Molloy was found dead in the Turkish port city of Marmaris (www.theguardian.com)
4. ^{^} Tuko (www.tuko.co.ke)