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.

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.

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.

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