Fitness influencer Dmitriy Stuzhuk dies of coronavirus after previously saying it didn’t exist

‘I was one who thought that Covid does not exist… until I got sick,’ Stuzhuk wrote on Instagram a few days ago

Sabrina Barr
Monday 19 October 2020 07:40 BST
Comments
Fitness influencer dies of coronavirus after previously saying it didn’t exist
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fitness influencer Dmitriy Stuzhuk has died at 33 years old after testing positive for coronavirus, having previously doubted the existence of the virus.

Three days ago, Mr Stuzhuk, from Ukraine, shared a post on Instagram updating his 1.1 million followers on his condition, having contracted Covid-19.

Sharing pictures from his hospital bed, he wrote that during a recent trip to Turkey, he woke up one night with breathing difficulties, developing a cough the next day.

When he returned to Ukraine, Mr Stuzhuk underwent a test for coronavirus, which came back positive.

"I was one who thought that Covid does not exist… until I got sick,” he said in his Instagram post.

“COVID-19 IS NOT A SHORT-LIVED DISEASE! And it is heavy.”

Stuzhuk added at the end of the caption that his condition was “stable”.

A day later, Stuzhuk’s ex-wife Sofia Stuzhuk, with whom he had three children, announced on Instagram that he had died.

Ms Stuzhuk shared a photograph of her and her ex-husband on the beach with their children at sunset. Their youngest child is nine months old.

The 25-year-old, who is also an influencer, then shared a second post dedicated to Stuzhuk, featuring another picture of them with their children.

“For the rest of my life I will remain grateful to you for our three beautiful children," she wrote.

“For all the invaluable experience. And for who I have become with you.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in