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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Kirsty McCormack

Joseph Wandera dead: Former Coronation Street actor dies aged 27 following a seizure

Actor Joseph Wandera has died at the age of 27 after "falling ill" and suffering a seizure while in Costa Rica.

The former Coronation Street actor's death was the subject of an inquest which completed on Thursday.

It confirmed that Joseph had a seizure whilst on holiday in January of this year.

During the short opening, Coroner Julie Robertson heard from police coroner officer Kathy Dixon who confirmed Joseph's details.

Joseph had been staying at Villa Verde One, in Calle L Cruz, Tamarindo, and attended a party the night of his death.

Ms Dixon said: “Whilst at a party, Joseph rang his girlfriend and explained that he did not feel well.

“He had lost sight in one eye and lost sensation in the left side of his body.

“He contacted a friend who picked him up and took him back to their apartment. Joseph went to sleep on the sofa.

“A few hours later, the friend found Joseph on the sofa having a seizure.

“Medics were called but they were unable to revive him and he sadly passed away," Ms Dixon added.

On Joseph's actor's profile, it states that he started out as part of the MaD Theatre Company, based in Monsall, where he performed at schools, theatres and festivals across Manchester.

In 2018, Joseph appeared on Coronation Street as a buyer interested in purchasing Eileen Grimshaw's car.

After filming his piece for the much-loved ITV soap, Joseph wrote on Twitter : "Overwhelmed with the support ... mad love for everyone that’s getting onto me & caught my ep. They’ll be more to come this year."

Joseph had also undergone training to teach drama workshops at DNA Acting Class for children and young adults.

Following his tragic death last month, a number of friends and family paid tribute to the promising star.

DNA Acting Class described Joseph as a 'gentle and angelic soul'.

In a statement, the organisation wrote: "One who transcended everyone's belief in themselves and embodied everything we stand for. He was an actor, an artist, a visionary, a brother, a son, a friend, a confidant, a gift and family.

"His artistry was met with an unparalleled charisma, elegant warmth and immense love for what he adored. An abundance of skill, charm and a forever existent spark of magic when he performed.

"He adored his work and those around him just as much as his work and those around him adored him."

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