Fitness influencer dies of COVID-19 just days after saying coronavirus ‘doesn’t exist’

He was only 33 years old

A fitness influencer from Ukraine has passed away just days after telling his social media following that COVID-19 doesn't exist. Just three days ago, Dmitriy Stuzhuk told his 1.1 million Instagram followers that he'd contracted coronavirus after spending some time in Turkey. He said he experienced breathing difficulties while abroad, and upon returning to Ukraine took a positive COVID-19 test. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGVXb6mHmEZ/ Writing on Instagram, 33-year-old Stuzhuk said "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." He added: "I didn't feel good on my second day in Turkey. I woke up in the middle of the night to my neck swollen and it was hard to breathe. "After returning from Turkey, I immediately went to pass different tests, do ultrasound and then I decided to take a COVID test. It turned out positive. "I was prescribed treatment and began hospitalisation." Stuzhuk, a bodybuilder and fitness influencer, was in good spirits, insisting that he would return home to continue his treatment, where the "right conditions" were in place. He signed off his Instagram post by stating "My condition is stable." However, just a day later, Stuzhuk passed away. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. His wife announced his death in a heartbreaking Instagram post. "Dima is no longer with us. His heart couldn't stand." Sofia Stuzhuk, 25, is also a fitness influencer. She followed up the announcement with a second post dedicated to her late husband Dmitriy. "For the rest of my life I will remain grateful to you for our three beautiful children. "For all the invaluable experience. And for who I have become with you. "Lord, I'm so bitter that you didn't listen to me about health. But we always respected each other's decisions. We are no longer together, but it hurts me no less. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."