A British woman who moved to the US to train as a nurse was stabbed to death in her flat just days before she was due to graduate.
Tamilore Odunsi, 23, was found dead in her student apartment in Houston, Texas, after a friend of her father called the police to say they had not been able to reach her.
When officers arrived, they spotted blood on the rear patio and forced their way inside – finding Tamilore in the kitchen with fatal injuries.
A flatmate was also found with stab wounds in a bedroom and taken to hospital in critical condition.
Tamilore and the unidentified man shared the two-bed flat, but were said to be ‘complete strangers’, with him only moving in a few weeks earlier.
The graduate nurse was prolific on social media – going by the handle Tamidollars on TikTok where she had 30,000 followers. Her posts had amassed more than 3 million likes.
Her last post on April 21 – just three days before she died – showed her relaxed and smiling in her room with the caption ‘I’m readdyyyyy’ along with a relaxed emoji.
Alongside the clip she had written: ’23 years old. BSN grad in 2 weeks. Summer is 14 days away. Starting to look human again.’
Tamilore Odunsi was found dead at her flat in Texas just days before she was set to graduate
The 23-year-old had recently moved into a flat in Houston with a ‘complete stranger’
Tamilore – who was also known as Tami – posted regularly on TikTok about how her studies were going and offered tips to students and followers.
She also documented on Tik Tok under the tab ‘Brit in America’ what it was like for a Londoner to live in Houston and the lifestyle differences between the two countries.
In one clip she joked how Americans always asked her ‘Is is true everything stops for tea?’ and she also highlighted how healthcare in the UK was free.
Relatives have started a Go Fund Me page for Tamilore, who was originally from London and moved to Houston in 2022 – to cover repatriation and funeral costs.
On the page – which has already reached more than £28,000 of its £40,000 target – sister Georgina Odunsi paid a touching tribute.
She said: ‘With heavy hearts, we share the devasting loss of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Tamilore Odunsi – known ton her TikTok family as Tami Dollars or TD.
‘Tami was a beautiful soul, full of light, ambition, and kindness. She was just 23 years old.
‘A devoted Christian, she was a God-fearing young woman who found strength and joy in her faith.
‘She had a deep love for her church community, where she was actively involved and always eager to serve others with humanity and grace.
File photo shows Houston, Texas. Tami had only recently moved to the US city
The trainee nurse was prolific on social media, with more than 30,000 followers on TikTok
‘She moved from the UK to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, dedicating herself to a life of care and service.
‘Tami had a special love for children and always dreamed of making a difference in young lives through her work in healthcare.
‘Outside of her studies, she brought joy to others through her love for creating content and expressing her vibrant personality.
‘Tragically Tami was murdered just days before she was set to graduate from university – an unimaginable loss at a moment that should have marked the beginning of a bright and promising future.
‘Tami touched so many lives in her short time here. Now, we are asking for help to give her the peaceful and dignified farewell she deserves.
‘Our goal is to bring Tami home from. The United States to the UK so she can be laid to rest surrounded by her family and loved ones.
‘We are raising funds to cover the costs of her repatriation, funeral and burial, and to support her family during this incredibly painful time.
Tami moved from the UK to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse
‘Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will make a difference. And if you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page and keeping our family in your prayers.’
The tribute ended: ‘We love you, Tami. You will be forever in our hearts,’ followed by a red heart emoji.
While on Instagram her property developer brother Manny wrote: ‘Flying 10 hours to America will be the hardest journey of my life. Knowing that you won’t be at the airport to greet us makes the pain even deeper.
‘Ever since I heard the news, I keep asking myself if there was anything more I could have done to protect you as your older brother.
‘But I believe you’re in a better place now. Your assignment on earth is complete. This isn’t goodbye, its just ‘See you later’.
‘I know you’re smiling down on us. Tami you were truly a special soul, loving caring, generous, honest – and adored by everyone who met you.
‘Our Tik Tok star. My creative director, and most importantly, my baby sister.
‘You were always by my side especially through my property journey and for that, I’m grateful I promise to make you proud, and I’ll continue to honour your legacy.’
Officers found Tami had been killed during a welfare check
No one was immediately available for comment from the Texas Women’s University of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
A statement on the website of the Houston Police Department said: ‘Officers were called to a residence at the above apartment complex for a welfare check.
‘They knocked on the door but did not received an answer. Officers then discovered blood on the rear concrete patio and entered the apartment.
‘The female victim was discovered on the kitchen floor with multiple stab wounds. A male was discovered in a bedroom with at least one stab wound.
‘Responding Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced the female deceased at the scene. The male was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
‘The investigation is ongoing.’
