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Yakira Chambers: ‘NCIS: Hawaiʻi’ writer and story editor dead at 42 due to acute asphyxia

'Yakira was a light, a symbol of hope to our community, a steward of our culture,' Yakira Chambers' heartbroken family said in a statement

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Yakira Chambers, who served as the writer and story editor for CBS show ‘NCIS: Hawaiʻi’, died due to acute asphyxia at 42. She was reportedly outside a mall in Newport Beach, California, on Wednesday, November 30, when she became unconscious after facing breathing difficulties. Her mother, Constance, was believed to be with her at the time.

After her unexpected demise, Chambers’ family remembered her as “a light." As per Deadline, her family said, “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. Yakira’s passion extended beyond her daily work in the business; she loved helping others create a way out of no way.”

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They added, “She believed in equity, and the demarginalization of persons of color to create a level playing field for all. 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.” Constance said, “I miss her and will love her to eternity. I don’t know what I will do without her.”

The late writer has reportedly left behind a stepson, André Welch, her husband, Anthony, and her mother. As per a GoFundMe launched for her family, “She was recently selected for the ViacomCBS Writers Mentoring Program and was now on the writing staff of NCIS:Hawai'i.” The fundraiser added, “Her sudden and untimely death has left many unexpected expenses, including her funeral services and the loved ones she was helping to love and care for. We are humbly asking for your help. We want to send our angel, our queen, Yakira Chambers Welch home in a fashion that befits the love, friendship, and support that she gave us in her life.”

Actress Vanessa Lachey honored Chambers via a social media post. She wrote on Instagram, “It’s been a difficult week for our NCIS Hawai’i Ohana as we mourn the sudden loss of one of our talented writers, Yakira Chambers. All of the stories you see us bring to life on screen, started in the writing room and Yakira specifically wrote some of my favorite moments. She always wrote my character, Jane Tennant, as a strong badass woman and mother. It was important to her… and us.”

“Her voice was powerful, and it will be missed greatly. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones who are currently figuring out life as this has left them in an unexpected precarious position. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page. Any small donation would be appreciated(link in my Bio). I am still at a loss and have hugged my babies even tighter than usual. Yakira, I will miss you, we will miss you… Rest In Love My Beautiful Angel,” Lachey concluded.

'NCIS: Hawai'i' actress Tori Anderson also expressed her thoughts as she tweeted, “Yakira radiated goodness, losing her is devastating. Sending my deepest sympathies to her loved ones and family. Please take a second to read about this remarkable woman.” It has been reported that a Janaury episode of ‘NCIS: Hawaiʻi’ will be dedicated to Chambers.