Dr. Nizar Ladha, a renowned forensic psychiatrist and lifetime mental health advocate, has died at the age of 80.

In a statement to VOCM News, the family says he passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully this week while enjoying a vacation in Egypt with his wife, Dr. Linda Inkpen.

Ladha became a familiar face and name largley due to his advocacy, and through his testimony as an expert in hundreds of criminal trials, providing opinions on state of mind in the most high-profile cases in the province.

A pillar of the medical community here and abroad, he served as president of the Canadian Psychiatric Assocation, as well as dozens of committees over the past several decades, including four terms on the Standing Committee on Professional Standards and Practice.

Originally from Tanzania, Ladha obtained his medical degree from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland in 1972.

But during an internship in St. John’s he was charmed by the province and met his future wife, well-known educator and doctor Linda Inkpen.

In 1978, Ladha graduated from MUN psychiatry, and after a brief one-year fellowship at the University of Toronto, he returned to the province that, he repeatedly said, had captured his heart.

In a statement, Eastern Health says Ladha was very passionate about his job and a dedicated advocate for mental health and addictions services throughout the province.

They say his passing is a loss for both healthcare and the community and offer their condolences to his family.

“Our family is extremely appreciative of all the kind messages and support we have received from family and friends, his medical colleagues in and outside the province, and the broader community,” the family said in the statement.

“Due to the circumstances and the need for several members of our family to travel overseas, it will take some time to confirm and announce the details of the upcoming visitation and celebration of life.”

Ladha is survived by Dr. Inkpen and their three sons Justin, Michael and Jonathan.