Communities across Kentucky are grieving the sudden death of Dr. Ephraim Otieno, a respected physician at the University of Louisville Medical Center, who was killed in a vehicle crash Sunday night. His passing has left a deep void among colleagues, former teammates, and the many lives he touched throughout his medical career.
Dr. Otieno was widely admired for his dedication to patient care and his unwavering commitment to serving others—qualities that those who knew him say were evident long before he entered medicine. A former standout athlete at Model High School, he graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer, remembered not only for his talent but for his leadership and character.
Former coach Wes Scarberry paid tribute to Otieno in a heartfelt message, recalling the close bond their families shared.
“Katrina and I, and our entire family, are deeply saddened by the loss of Ephraim Otieno,” Scarberry wrote. “Ephraim was a former student and player of mine, but we also considered him family. He always made it a point to visit our home anytime he was in town.”
Scarberry said it was a privilege to coach Otieno and to witness both his athletic achievements and his growth into a compassionate medical professional.
“It was an absolute honor to see him become Model High School’s all-time leading scorer,” he said. “Ephraim was a true leader on and off the court. His commitment to helping others carried into his work as a physician. He was a compassionate teammate, friend, son, and brother.”
The University of Louisville Medical Center has not yet released additional details surrounding the crash, but colleagues say Dr. Otieno will be remembered for his kindness, professionalism, and his profound impact on patients and staff alike.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Otieno family,” Scarberry added, echoing the sentiment now shared across the Commonwealth.