Francis Van-Lare, father-in-law of the late Dr. Ikenna Erinne, has provided insights into the substantial child support payments handed down to his son-in-law.
In a Facebook post, Van-Lare explained that the $15,000 monthly child support was due to Erinne’s physically challenged son requiring specialized care.
“The child support was set that much because he has a physically challenged son needing special care from different medical facilities, plus attending a special needs school that costs money,” he explained.
Dr. Ikenna Erinne reportedly took his own life upon learning of the court judgment that required him to pay $15,000 as child support for his son from a failed marriage.
In the United States, child support amounts consider both parents’ incomes and the child’s specific needs. For children with disabilities, courts often mandate higher support to cover medical treatments, specialized education, and therapy.
Some states, like New York, have laws allowing child support for special needs children to extend until age 26.
Expressing disappointment, Van-Lare said of his deceased son-in-law, “He is not a victim but failed his son and daughter, who are now left without their father.” He also questioned, “Which sane person takes his own life over money he is supposed to use to support his children?“
Nevertheless, he extended condolences, saying, “May his soul rest in peace regardless. My family will raise the children without him.“
Mr. Van-Lare also clarified, contrary to public information, that Erinne’s medical licenses were never revoked. “Dr. Ikenna Erinne’s license was never revoked. He had active licenses in Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland.”
BackGround To The Story
Dr. Ikenna Erinne’s ex-wife is Suzette Chibuogu Van-Lare, daughter of Nigerian businessman Francis Van-Lare.
The couple underwent a prolonged divorce and custody battle. A U.S. court ruled in favor of Suzette, ordering Dr. Erinne to pay $15,000 monthly in child support.
Following the court’s decision, Dr. Erinne allegedly held Suzette and their children at gunpoint for three hours. The nanny escaped and alerted the police. Upon their arrival, Dr. Erinne reportedly shot himself.
Public Opinion Divided
Many commentaries had blamed Dr. Erinne’s death on the hefty child support bill and the failed marriage with his son’s mother. This necessitated Van-Lare’s clarification.
Yet, online the chattering continued unabated. One user commented, “I don’t want to speculate on whether $15,000 was outrageous or not because I don’t have all the information.”
Another user questioned, “Now that the young man is dead, will the wife not still take care of that medically challenged child and the others?“
The tragic death of Dr. Erinne continues to generate controversy around the pressures men often have to endure due to substantial child support obligations, especially concerning children with special needs.
More About Late Dr Erinne
Dr. Ikenna Erinne was a 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States. He was found dead on January 26, 2025, after allegedly taking his own life.
Dr. Erinne was a beloved father, son, brother, and esteemed cardiologist who dedicated his life to healing others. He is survived by his two cherished children, Ugonna and Munachi, his loving parents, Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and his four siblings, Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi.
A celebration of his life was held on February 3, 2025, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, Maryland, followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.
For more information about Dr. Erinne’s professional background, you can visit his profile on US News Doctors.
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