Tragedy struck in Awka, Anambra State on Tuesday when Reverend Father Anthony Udogu of the Catholic Diocese of Awka suddenly collapsed and died while playing lawn tennis.

The Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Charles Ndubuisi, confirmed the priest's death in an official statement released on Tuesday.

"With faith in the resurrection of the Lord, the Catholic Diocese of Awka announces the demise of our brother priest, Rev Fr Anthony Udogu, whose sudden death occurred in the early hours of today," the statement read.

According to Fr. Ndubuisi, the deceased priest collapsed during a tennis match and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical intervention, all efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.

Until his untimely death, Fr. Udogu served as the Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi, Awka, and held the position of Dean of Awka Deanery II. He was widely respected within the community for his exemplary leadership, dedication to pastoral service, and commitment to community development.

The Catholic Diocese has expressed deep sympathies to Fr. Udogu's family, parishioners, and all those mourning his loss. The statement assured that details regarding his burial arrangements would be announced in due course.

"May the soul of Rev Fr Anthony Nnaemeka Udogu rest in the bosom of the Lord," the statement concluded.

The sudden passing of Fr. Udogu has sent shockwaves through the Catholic community in Anambra State, with many parishioners and fellow clergy expressing their grief over the loss of the beloved priest.