Influencer Esther Thomas has died after undergoing surgery. "Greetings ... We the family of Esther Thomas [A.K.A Sunshine] with pain in our heart we regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved sister and daughter Esther Thomas who suddenly passed away on the 9th of January 2026 after an unsuccessful surgery," a statement shared via Thomas' Instagram on Saturday, January 10, read. The statement continued, "She had [a] fibroid and was operated on so she couldn't make it so we are trying to put things in place so we could put her to rest." Several users took to the comments section to share their condolences. Influencer Deaths of 2025: Hailey Okula, Emilie Kiser's Son and More "Never in my wildest dream did I even think of typing (RIP) to my closest friend let alone on my birthday of all day, that sunshine my friend cannot sing 🎶 happy birthday song to me today as usual 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 my whole day shattered waking up to such news on my day after telling me on Thursday she was getting better when I called, the first time I felt this way was when I lost my mom," one user wrote. Another added, "Was actually hoping the news was fake💔 i cant even explain how i feel rn but tbvh [sic] this one really touch me😔 you were such a nice, dedicated and very hardworking person, my deepest condolences to your family during this period🙏🏾 and may you find rest and peace in the bosom of the lord my dear sunshine ❤️🕊️." Thomas, who amassed more than 136,000 followers on Instagram, was known for her online skits and collaborations with other Nigerian internet stars. Chidera Madu, for one, mourned Thomas in a video shared after her death. Madu explained in the Instagram clip shared on Sunday, January 11, that Thomas was "complaining that she was having stomach" pain on December 28. Her condition worsened on January 1 and she was hospitalized. Madu claimed that scans were done and doctors determined that Thomas' fibroid had "grown so big." He went on to allege that the doctor suggested Thomas undergo an operation to remove the fibroid and relieve her pain. Influencer Dead at 26 from Rare Blood Clots After Experiencing Migraines "The pain was getting out of hand," Madu claimed. While Madu alleged that the doctor said Thomas' operation was "successful," she had "complications" and died. Days before Thomas' death, the influencer reflected on her mantra heading into the new year. "2026 is coming ... Delete negative people. Forgot your past. Accept your mistakes. Restart your life," Thomas wrote via Instagram in December 2025, alongside a series of photos of her posing in a red gown. At the end of the slideshow, text read, "I was sexy all year no recap needed." One day later, Thomas reflected on her support from her fans. "To all my amazing fans, thank you for the constant love, support, and encouragement. Your belief in me means more than you know, and I'm truly grateful for every message, like, and kind word," she wrote via Facebook in December 2025. "I love you all see you in 2026 ."