90 Day Fiancé: David Murphey’s Medical Condition and Health Issues Leading to His Death at 66

90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days Star David Murphey: Health Struggles and Untimely Passing

The beloved star of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, David Murphey, recently had the actual cause of his death revealed, which was not cancer, as previously speculated. David first captured the audience’s attention during Season 4, which aired in 2020, thanks to its unique mix of cast dynamics and engaging storylines. Among these narratives, his relationship with Lana Svetlana from Ukraine garnered particular scrutiny. Viewers also learned about David’s two pets, 16-year-old cats named Mothra and Gamera, and his fascination with Slavic beauty, which developed from watching animated characters like Boris and Natasha.

The Notable Life of David Murphey

David’s relationship with Lana was marked by a striking 33-year age difference, which he navigated after finding her on a foreign dating site. At that time, he worked as a Systems Programmer for Clark County, Nevada, aiming to achieve early retirement and live on the road in an RV. His journey in dating had been extensive; he dated over 100 Ukrainian women and spent several hundred thousand dollars—nearly $300,000—on these romantic endeavors. He and Lana communicated for seven years, finally meeting face-to-face on the show, culminating in an engagement.

Fears of Alzheimer’s Disease

Family History of Alzheimer’s Disease

In May 2021, David returned to social media with some troubling personal news. He announced the passing of his father, who had struggled with Alzheimer’s disease since December 2019. Despite doctors’ predictions of two to five years, he lived for over six years, ultimately succumbing to heart complications. David shared how he found some solace in his father’s passing from heart issues instead of enduring the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s longer, acknowledging how difficult it can be for families witnessing loved ones deteriorate from such a disease.

However, David harbored anxiety over his potential fate. With two relatives on his father’s side suffering from the same affliction, he expressed concerns about his own memory lapses. Comments like, “Sometimes, at this age, I have memory loss.“highlighted his worries, although he remained hopeful for a positive outcome.

Frequent Hospitalizations in 2023

Facing Multiple Health Challenges

Fast forward to March 2023, when David revealed his ongoing health struggles, which led to months of isolation from social media. He had been in and out of hospitals since November 2022, grappling with unclear health complications that affected his liver. Remarkably, he shared experiences of turning “bright yellow,”signaling jaundice, and highlighted the necessity of gallbladder removal that was contingent upon improving liver function.

“It was crazy when… after the second stone hit. And I’ve been kind of waiting for that to go away.”

Despite undergoing multiple tests, David faced challenges securing transportation home post-procedure due to limited support. While doctors assessed him for acute hepatitis, he speculated the cause might be tainted water. He also noted complications with his pancreas and kidneys.

“They don’t know if it’s cancer yet. Could be, they just don’t know it yet…”

In November 2022, David experienced alarming symptoms, prompting a hospitalization where he learned of two blood clots in his lungs, as well as blockages in his bile duct, liver, and pancreas.

“They went in and put a stent in and sphincterotomy. Not sure exactly what that was in connection with the gallbladder.”

David’s Passing in December 2024

Tragic Loss at 66

On December 18, 2024, fans awoke to the devastating news of David’s death at age 66. A heartfelt selfie was posted on his Instagram with a message from his family, informing followers that David had passed away at home a week prior amid ongoing health troubles. Although his exact cause of death was not addressed, he had recently been seen on social media, seemingly maintaining a semblance of normalcy.

Final Diagnosis: Liver Cancer

As reported by TMZ, sources indicated that David had been battling liver cancer diagnosed over a year prior and had undergone a staggering 13 surgical procedures within that time frame. His declining health left him frail, yet he continued to engage socially, interacting with friends and family despite the physical toll of his condition.

Subsequent reports confirmed that David succumbed to heart-related complications, including cardiac arrhythmia and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, alongside a history of pulmonary embolism. Consequently, his passing was classified as a natural one.

Responses from Co-Stars

Support from Fellow Cast Members

David Toborowsky, a close friend and co-star, recalled speaking to David only about six weeks before his passing, during which David expressed hope for more time. Another co-star, Tom Brooks, revealed that he had just seen David the week prior. Despite his health challenges, David managed to maintain a vibrant social life, surrounded by friends who uplifted him as he faced his final days.

90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days continues to air Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.

Source: David Murphey/Instagram, TMZ, TMZ

90 Day Fiancé: David Murphey’s Medical Condition and Health Issues Leading to His Death at 66

90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days Star David Murphey: Health Struggles and Untimely Passing

The Notable Life of David Murphey