Nigerian Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Michael Oli Slumps And Dies In US

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, has died in the United States.

He reportedly collapsed and passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, while out on a walk.

The Catholic Diocese of Awka confirmed his death in a statement released on Friday.

The statement, signed by Chancellor Charles Ndubisi, noted that Fr. Oli was serving as the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, before his death.

He was ordained as a priest on August 23, 2008.

“The funeral arrangement will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Michael Oli rest in peace, Amen,” the statement added.

Also confirming the incident, Bishop Scott Bullock of the Rapid City Diocese said an autopsy has been ordered to determine what caused his death.

“With confidence in the Resurrection of the Lord, I write to inform you of the sudden d3ath this morning, March 26, 2026, of our brother Fr. Michael Oli, Pastor of St Joseph in Faith, St. Joseph in Mud Butte, and St. Anthony in Red Owl.

“I have been in communication with the Deputy Sheriff of Meade County, who has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of d3ath. 

“At this point, we do not know about the cause of d3ath, just that he hadn’t been feeling well. 

“As is our custom, I invite all the priests serving in the diocese to offer three Masses for the repose of the soul of Fr. Michael. 

“Arrangements are pending. Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him,” the statement reads.

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