The University of Louisville Medical Center and communities across Kentucky are mourning the loss of Dr. Ephraim Otieno, who died in a vehicle crash Sunday night. He was remembered as a devoted physician, former standout student-athlete, and a beloved friend, son, and brother.
Dr. Otieno dedicated his career to caring for others, carrying the same compassion and leadership into medicine that he once showed on the basketball court. Before becoming a doctor, he excelled as a student-athlete at Model High School, where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer.
Former coach Wes Scarberry shared a heartfelt tribute, saying the loss has deeply affected his entire family.
“Katrina and I, and our entire family, are deeply saddened by the loss of Ephraim Otieno. Ephraim was a former student and player of mine, but we also considered him family,” Scarberry wrote. “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 see him become Model High School’s all-time leading scorer. Ephraim was a true leader on and off the court.”
Scarberry added that Dr. Otieno’s dedication to helping others carried into his work as a physician, calling him a compassionate teammate, friend, son, and brother.
“Ephraim, you will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Otieno family,” he wrote.
