What killed Monalisa Stephen and How to Prevent it

The Nigerian entertainment industry is reeling from the sudden death of Nollywood actress, media personality, and body positivity advocate Monalisa Ayobami Stephen, popularly known as Gabacci.

The 33-year-old passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Lagos, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues.

According to reports, her death was linked to complications from low blood sugar and internal bleeding, as confirmed by her immediate younger sister and Seun Oloketuyi, CEO of Best of Nollywood (BON).

Who Is Monalisa Stephen?

Monalisa Stephen was a vibrant Nigerian plus-size model, actress, fashion designer, stylist, and content creator born on March 13, 1992, in Lagos State.

Launching her modeling career at 19, she gained recognition for her curvy figure and confident presence, appearing as a video vixen in numerous music videos.

Stephen starred in Nollywood films such as Mami Wata (2023) and Breaded Life (2021), and her comedic skits and social media presence earned her a loyal following.

A vocal advocate for body positivity, mental health, and self-love, Stephen used her platform to challenge societal norms around body image, often sparking debates with her candid views.

Her last Instagram post on April 29, 2025, featured her dancing to Davido’s 10 Kilo, reflecting her vibrant spirit. Known for her resilience despite controversies, she inspired many to embrace their authentic selves.

What Killed Monalisa Stephen?

Monalisa Stephen succumbed to health complications involving low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and internal bleeding on May 13, 2025, in Lagos.

The exact medical sequence remains unclear, but reports suggest she battled these conditions before her death.

Her younger sister confirmed the tragic news, and Seun Oloketuyi announced it on Instagram, stating,

“Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead, she died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against low sugar and internal bleeding.”

Hypoglycemia, a condition where blood glucose drops below normal levels, can be life-threatening if untreated, especially in severe cases.

Internal bleeding, potentially from an intestinal hemorrhage as one source noted, could indicate a separate or compounding issue, such as a gastrointestinal condition.

Without official medical reports, the interplay between these conditions remains speculative, but their combination likely overwhelmed her system.

Some online speculation suggested extreme dieting or slimming trends may have contributed to her low blood sugar, but no evidence supports this claim.

The lack of detailed medical disclosure underscores the need for caution in attributing causes beyond what has been confirmed.

What Is Low Blood Sugar?

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL, depriving the body of its primary energy source.

It is most commonly associated with diabetes management, particularly as a side effect of insulin or medications that stimulate insulin release. Other causes include insufficient carbohydrate intake, excessive physical activity, or alcohol consumption without food.

Hypoglycemia can range from mild to severe, with severe cases (below 55 mg/dL) potentially leading to unconsciousness or seizures.

While typically manageable, untreated hypoglycemia can be dangerous, especially if compounded by other health issues, as may have been the case with Stephen.

How to Treat Low Blood Sugar

Prompt treatment is critical for hypoglycemia to prevent serious complications.

For mild to moderate cases (blood sugar below 70 mg/dL), the 15-15 Rule is recommended:

•Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as:

•4 oz (½ cup) of juice or regular soda.

•1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup.

•3–4 glucose tablets or 1 tube of glucose gel.

•Hard candies or jellybeans (check labels for quantity).

•Wait 15 minutes, then recheck blood sugar. If still below 70 mg/dL, repeat.

•Once stabilized, eat a balanced snack or meal with protein and carbs (e.g., crackers with cheese).

For severe hypoglycemia (below 55 mg/dL), where a person may be unable to self-treat:

•Administer injectable glucagon (prescription required) and seek emergency medical help immediately.

•If conscious after glucagon, provide fast-acting sugars (e.g., juice), followed by a long-acting carb with protein (e.g., a sandwich).

•If unresponsive after 15 minutes, administer another glucagon dose and contact emergency services.

Always avoid high-fiber or high-fat foods during treatment, as they slow sugar absorption. Keeping fast-acting carbs accessible is essential for at-risk individuals.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia symptoms vary by severity and can escalate quickly. Common signs include:

•Mild to Moderate: Paleness, shakiness, sweating, headache, hunger, nausea, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, or tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheeks.

•Severe: Confusion, unusual behavior, loss of coordination, slurred speech, blurry or tunnel vision, nightmares (if asleep), unresponsiveness, or seizures.

Recognizing personal symptoms early allows for faster intervention, potentially preventing fatal outcomes.

How to Prevent Low Blood Sugar

Preventing hypoglycemia requires proactive monitoring and lifestyle management, particularly for those with diabetes or other risk factors:

•Frequent Monitoring: Use a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track levels, especially before and after meals, exercise, or sleep, and during changes like travel or new medication routines.

•Stable Glucose Levels: Eat regular, balanced meals with adequate carbohydrates, avoid excessive alcohol, and adjust medications only under medical supervision.

•Recognize Patterns: Log blood sugar, activity, and diet to identify trends, sharing data with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans.

•Emergency Preparedness: Carry fast-acting carbs and, if prescribed, a glucagon kit. Inform family or friends about hypoglycemia protocols.

Regular check-ins with a diabetes care team can help tailor prevention strategies, reducing the risk of severe episodes.

Monalisa Stephen’s death has left a void in Nollywood and the body positivity movement. Fans and colleagues, including actress Toyin Abraham, have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating her as a hardworking and vibrant soul who encouraged plus-size women to live boldly.

Her passing highlights the dangers of hypoglycemia and the need for greater awareness about managing chronic health conditions.

As investigations into her death continue, the industry mourns a trailblazer whose advocacy for self-love will endure.

For now, her fans are urged to honor her memory by embracing her message of confidence and resilience while staying vigilant about their health.