Father Cyprian Kooro: Catholic Priest Collapses And Dies While Celebrating Mass In Rivers

A Catholic priest, Rev. Father, Cyprian Kooro has reportedly slumped and died while celebrating the Sunday mass in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It was gathered that the morning mass was underway on Sunday at St. Helen Catholic Church, Ogbogoro when the priest suddenly collapsed.

The middle-aged priest was immediately rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) by members of his congregation, but he could not be revived by the medical personnel as he was declared dead by doctors.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the priest collapsed shortly after concluding the homily around 10am and was rushed to the UPTH around 10.30am, but was pronounced dead around noon.

“I can confirm to you that the priest of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Simeon Kuro, collapsed today (Sunday) after the homily.

“He was rushed to the UPTH around 10.30am, but was declared dead by a doctor around noon. It is a sad situation,” the source said.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Nnamdi Omoni, said he had not been able to confirm the incident from the Divisional Police Officer covering the area.

When contacted, the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Rev. Fr. Francis Tete, said he would not be able to speak on the incident immediately.

He, however, told our correspondent that he would speak only after clearance from the authorities.

“I can’t give you any statement at the moment. Maybe when I talk with the authorities tomorrow (Monday), I will tell you something,” Tete said.