A fitness influencer has died with Covid-19 after calling it a hoax

A 33-year-old Ukrainian influencer who denied the existence of Covid-19 has died.

Father-of-three Dmitriy Stuzhuk died days after posting that he was living with the illness and that his status was stable.

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His ex-wife and the mother of his children confirmed the news on Instagram, posting: "only warm memories remain, three beautiful kids and valuable experience."

Who was Dmitriy Stuzhuk?

Dmitriy Stuzhuk made a career out of promoting healthy living via his social media channels.

At the time of his death he had amassed over one million followers.

The 33-year-old regularly posted promotions for gym brand, GymBeam.

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He said that he had previously not believed in the existence of Covid-19.

What happened to Dmitriy Stuzhuk?

During a visit to Turkey, Stuzhuk says that he began experiencing symptoms, including a swollen neck and difficulty breathing.

On his return to the Ukraine he was hospitalised, following a positive coronavirus test.

He spent eight days in hospital before he was discharged, but returned later due to heart complications.

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Ex-partner Sofia, posted that Dmitriy was having "problems with his cardiovascular system... his heart is not coping".

She added: "His state is extremely grave. No-one can do anything with this.

"I did everything I could so the father of my three children lives. But nothing depends on me now."

She later announced that the father of her children had died.

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During his illness Stuzhuk warned about the dangers of Covid-19 having previously denied its existence.

He said: "I want to share how I got sick and to strongly warn everyone.

"I was one who thought that Covid does not exist...until I got sick.

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

In a post confirming his death, Sofia Stuzhuk wrote: “For the rest of my life I will remain grateful to you for our three beautiful children.”

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

Ms Stuzhuk also suggested that she had tried to take the virus more seriously.

“God, I am so sad that you didn’t listen to me about your health,” she wrote.

“But we always respected each other’s choices.

“We were no longer together, but it hurts me no less.”

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