Dawson’s Creek actor Obi Ndefo has died at the age of 51, his family says.

The American actor, who starred in the teen drama between 1998 and 2002, died on Wednesday after his “heart gave out during his longstanding battle against eating disorder orthorexia”, his sister Nkem Ndefo wrote on Instagram.

“As his family we bring this news to bring attention to orthorexia’s severity and in the hopes that those suffering from this devastating disease receive the compassionate care they deserve,” she added.

Orthorexia is an eating disorder which is characterised by an obsession with eating high-quality nutritious foods, often leading to an extremely restricted diet.

Ndefo, who also starred in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Stargate SG-1, had both of his legs amputated after a hit-and-run in Los Angeles in 2019.

Fellow Dawson’s Creek star Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, paid tribute to Ndefo on Instagram, writing: “He was wonderful to work with and such a kind man. I send prayers and grace to his family. Rest in peace.”

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson Leery’s (James Van Der Beek) mother on the programme, wrote: “These words don’t come easy. It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend.

“You always were and always will be a bright shining light. What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent.

“I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years. Rest in peace sweet warrior.”

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A GoFundMe page set up for Ndefo by his family raised more than $287,000 (£218,385) to help pay for prosthetic legs, the surgery he needed and to make his home wheelchair accessible.

The fundraising page’s description, signed by Ndefo’s mother Susan Matranga, detailed how the actor was shopping on Beverly Boulevard after teaching a yoga class when he was hit by a drunk driver in an SUV.

“According to the first responders and orthopedic surgeons, it is an absolute miracle that Obi survived,” it read, adding Nefo still managed to “smile and share positivity with everyone” through his surgeries.

Updates on the page detailed how Ndefo continued practising yoga after he lost his legs.

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He sent an update himself in December 2020, in which he wrote: “It’s been a challenge, but WE ARE ALL DEALT UNIQUE CHALLENGES which hold opportunities to make us stronger.

“My gratitude to all who have helped my transition to a new phase of life, and to deepening my dedication to service as an artist and educator.”

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