NCIS: Hawaii story editor Yakira Chambers has passed away at the age of 42.

Chambers, who worked as a writer of four NCIS: Hawaii Season 1 episodes before being promoted to a story editor for the second season, died of acute asphyxiation according to her family.

While circumstances surrounding her premature passing remain unclear, it is believed that the aspiring writer and editor, who also appeared in the TV series Insecure, was outside a Newport Beach, California, mall when she collapsed last week.

Acute asphyxiation is a potentially lethal condition caused by lack of oxygen and can be a result of various causes including asthma, drowning, inhalation of certain chemicals, blocked airways, strangulation, seizure, and more.

“Her sudden and untimely death has left us all grief-stricken. Yakira was a light, a symbol of hope to our community, a steward of our culture, and a representation of what pursuing your dreams looks like,” Chambers’ family announced in a statement.

“Yakira’s passion extended beyond her daily work in the business; she loved helping others create a way out of no way. She believed in equity, and the demarginalization of persons of color to create a level playing field for all.”

The 42-year-old is survived by her husband Anthony Welch and stepson André Welch.

Her family’s statement continued: “This passion was actualized in the form of her foundation, CureConstanceFoundation, an organization born out of the necessity for finding financial options for those in health crisis.”

Besides her work on NCIS: Hawaii, Chambers also worked on several others projects and added several acting credits to her name.

Our thoughts are with Yakira’s family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.

 

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