A US-based Nigerian bodybuilder, Michael Chidozie, 26, has died 18 days after he was shot multiple times by his wife, Keaiirra Shavoiyae, in the middle of an argument on March 21.

Chidozie lingered on life support, but he suffered a devastating spinal injury and died of complications on April 8, Daily Mail reports.

Chidozie was reported to have been shot four times by his wife during an argument inside their Houston apartment in front of their children.

Daily Mail further reports that Chidozie was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital after police found him with gunshot wounds and his wife in a panic holding their two kids, aged three and two.

A Houston media outlet, ABC13, reports that court documents show that he was shot twice in the torso, once in the arm, and once in the chest.

It added that Keaiirra, 28, was afterwards charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the shooting, and her charges have not been upgraded since his death.

Keaiirra Shavoiyae

Investigators say that she claimed to have shot Chidozie in self-defence as she feared for her life during the argument when he followed her into their bedroom, where she picked up a pistol and shot him.

ABC13 further reports that Keaiirra has been released on bail and is set to next face court on May 23.

Chidozie’s family is trying to raise $70,000 to bring his body back to Nigeria for burial, as a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with the expenses.