Christopher Onuorah, 30, a Nigerian national and a beloved teacher at Staughton College in Melbourne’s west, has been remembered as a kind, outgoing, and passionate individual following his tragic death last week.
On Friday, January 3, Christopher was found unresponsive in the waters off Tyrone Beach in Rye, Victoria. He had been surfing with friends when he slipped off his board unnoticed and was later discovered unconscious by a jet skier 7News reports.
Christopher’s sister, Bernadette Onuorah, shared how much he loved his life in Australia. “He told me often how happy he was. I wish I had the chance to share this experience with him,” she said.
Having taught at Staughton College for just six months, Christopher had already become a favorite among his students, who affectionately referred to him as “sigma” – a TikTok slang term for someone admired and cool. He was also recently celebrated for being the best-dressed staff member at the school.
“His students loved him. He really, really loved them too,” Bernadette shared. “He often talked about how impressed he was with their standard of learning.”
Christopher’s vibrant personality, kindness, and ability to connect with people made him stand out. Bernadette described her brother as “jovial, passionate about life, and someone who made friends wherever he went.”
Back in Nigeria, Christopher’s family is mourning his sudden loss and focusing on repatriating his body to give him a proper farewell. “We are crying every day,” Bernadette said. “Our priority right now is bringing Christopher and his belongings back to Nigeria.”
A fundraiser has been established to assist with repatriation costs, and Bernadette hopes to keep her brother’s memory alive by encouraging his students to honor him.
“Make Christopher proud,” she urged. “He’d want us to live our best life.”
Christopher Onuorah’s legacy as a teacher, friend, and family member will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.