Louisville and Richmond, Kentucky, communities are mourning the untimely death of beloved doctor and former athlete, Ephraim Ochieng’ Otieno.
Ephraim Otieno lost his life on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the age of 28 in a tragic car accident in Louisville, Kentucky, according to his obituary; however, the details surrounding his untimely death have not been disclosed yet.
Born on November 18, 1997, Ephraim Otieno touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills and his profession as a doctor.
Dr. Otieno, a proud graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he earned his BS in Biology in May 2020 and his MD degree, was serving as a first-year Resident Doctor at the University of Louisville Hospital.
While pursuing his undergraduate degree at UoFL, Otieno was a Porter Scholar and Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar. He was also a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, NAACP, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Vice President of LSAMP.
Likewise, prior to beginning his career in the medical field, Ephraim Otieno won the hearts of many in the community with his sports career excelling in multiple sports.
He was a member of Model Laboratory School’s boys’ soccer and basketball team, and throughout his tenure, Otieno led his school to numerous regional and state championships and was the all-time leading scorer while playing basketball.
Additionally, Ephraim was a certified soccer referee for the Madison United Soccer Association and a Certified Lifeguard for the Telford YMCA of Richmond, Kentucky.
A Kenyan-American, Otieno proudly represents his mixed heritage and enjoys sharing his travel stories with teachers and friends.
His contribution to the Kentucky community as an exceptional athlete and a proud Doctor will always be remembered.
Social Media is Filled With Heartfelt Tributes to Late Ephraim Otieno, MD
The untimely death of Ephraim Otieno has left his family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
Many of his loved ones are sharing his memories on social media and recalling him as a kind-hearted and cheerful person who was always there to help people in need.
Coach Wes Scarberry took to his social media to express sorrow and pay tribute to his former student and player, Ephraim, and wrote:
“Ephraim was a former student and player of mine, but we also considered him family. I spoke with him often, and he always made it a point to visit our home anytime he was in town. It was an absolute honor to have coached him and to see him become Model High School’s all-time leading scorer. Ephraim was a true leader on and off the court.”
Wes Scarberry
Another added:
“Ephraim was the kind of person everyone felt lucky to know. I know he still had big things ahead of him, yet he had already accomplished so much in the time he was given. The world is dimmer without his light, but it’s clear to see just how many lives he touched and how deeply he’ll be missed. Sending my love and condolences to his family, to my fraternity brothers, and to everyone who had the privilege of calling him a friend. Rest in peace, E ❤️”
Nico Godenzi
Ephraim Ocheing’ Otieno is survived by his parents, Dr. Tom Otieno and Dr. Iddah Otieno, his two younger siblings, brother, Christopher Otieno, and sister, Rebecca Otieno, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the entire family.
His family has organized a funeral service for Ephraim Otieno on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:30 pm at Oldham Roberts and Powell Funeral Home, 1110 Barnes Mill Road, Richmond, Kentucky.
