Yakira joined NCIS: Hawai’i as a staff writer in the first season and contributed to four episodes before being elevated to the position of story editor for season two.
The actress will be honoured by the programme, which will broadcast following a three-hour NCIS universe crossover episode airing on January 2.
In a statement, Yakira’s family said: “Her unexpected passing has left us all inconsolable. Yakira was a beacon of hope for our neighborhood, a protector of our culture, and an example of what it means to follow your dreams.
“Yakira’s passion extended beyond her daily work in the business; she loved helping others create a way out of no way. 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.”
Vanessa Lachey, the drama’s star, paid a touching homage to Yakira on her Instagram page. She wrote, “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,” before adding that Yakira was responsible for some of her “favorite moments” on the programme and consistently portrayed her character, Jane Tennant, as “a strong” mother and woman.
She added this as her final comment: “I have hugged my children even closer than usual because I’m still at a loss for words. I will miss you, Yakira, and we will miss you. My Beautiful Angel, R.I.P.”
Tori Anderson, who plays Kate Whistler in the drama, also shared a message. “Yakira radiated goodness, losing her is devastating,” she wrote on Twitter. “Sending my deepest sympathies to her loved ones and family. Please take a second to read about this remarkable woman.”
Yakira was well-known for her acting appearances in HBO’s Insecure, the comedy short series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, and the comedy show M.O. Diaries, in which she played Michelle Obama. She was also noted for her work on NCIS: Hawai’i.
She left behind her mother Constance Chambers, her husband Anthony Welch, and her stepson André Welch.
