Influencer Dmitriy Stuzhuk dies of COVID-19 after denying its existence

A fitness “influencer” who believed COVID-19 did not exist died of the virus at the age of 33.

Dmitriy Stuzhuk fell ill with the disease while traveling to Turkey and was hospitalized on his return to his native Ukraine after testing positive.

The social media star, who campaigned for a healthy life, was discharged from the hospital after eight days, but the virus caused heart complications.

After he was returned to the hospital, his ex-wife Sofia, 25, said he was in “severe condition” and “passed out”.

She told her followers that he “has problems with his cardiovascular system … his heart is not working properly”.

“His condition is extremely serious. Nobody can do anything with it.

“I did everything to ensure that the father of my three children lived. But now nothing depends on me. ”

She later announced his death and added: “All that remains are warm memories, three beautiful children and valuable experiences.”

Previously, Mr Stuzhuk had posted on social media from his hospital bed, saying he woke up in Turkey with a swollen neck and had difficulty breathing.

He told his 1.1 million followers, “I want to share how I got sick and give everyone a strong warning.

“I was one who thought Covid didn’t exist … until I got sick.

“COVID-19 is not a short-lived disease! And it’s hard. ”

Dmitriy and Sofia Stuzhuk separated six months ago, but they had three children, the youngest only nine months old.

© Sky News 2020