David James Murphey, a notable figure from 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, has passed away. The Las Vegas native first captured audiences’ attention in season 4, where he navigated a complicated and questioned relationship with Lana Svetlana, a 27-year-old woman from Ukraine. Over their lengthy, eight-year romance, David faced accusations of being a victim of a catfishing scheme, especially after Lana stood him up multiple times during his trips to Ukraine, prompting him to hire a private investigator when her address proved to be fabricated.
David finally met Lana during the show, despite having sworn off American women after a history of unsuccessful relationships. His admiration for Slavic women led him to envision a romantic future filled with road trips in his RV with Lana. Unfortunately, this dream ultimately did not materialize.
The Breakup with Lana
Financially Committed to the Relationship
During the season 4 Tell All special, David revealed to host Shaun Robinson that he spent approximately $250,000 to $300,000 over about 20 years on travel and flights to meet women he connected with through a paid dating service. He disclosed making around 20 trips to Ukraine, with Lana still actively on the dating platform. In the finale, he gifted Lana an iPhone to facilitate better communication, a gesture that was met with disappointment when she struggled to use it due to her lengthy nails, stating it was uncomfortable for her.
Despite repeated critiques from co-stars about the legitimacy of his relationship, David remained steadfast in his defense of Lana. He confessed that he had previously proposed to four other women—two in Ukraine and two in America—before ultimately claiming he and Lana were engaged, albeit not currently together.
Lana Addresses David’s Claims
Engagement Controversy
In January 2021, Lana took to Instagram to clarify her position regarding allegations of ghosting David. She asserted, “I don’t,” when asked about the claims, suggesting that much of their on-screen drama was scripted for entertainment purposes. When questioned about her plans to return to the franchise, she replied, “Depends,” adding that she couldn’t participate in the Tell All for fear that the truth would not be shared. Lana insisted there was no actual engagement with David, stating, “It was just for the show.”
Health Challenges and Family Loss
Family Health Struggles
David had limited social media engagement following his time on 90 Day Fiancé, recently posting a heartfelt video in May 2021 after a prolonged hiatus. He shared the painful news of his father’s passing, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in late 2019, with the deteriorating condition affecting him significantly. David revealed a family history of the illness, expressing concern about his own potential future diagnosis.
“Sometimes, at this age, I have memory loss.”
A New Chapter with Amira Lollysa
Exploring New Relationships
As of January 2022, David appeared to have moved on from his storied past with Lana, forming a friendship with Amira Lollysa from season 8. Despite her earlier engagement to Andrew Kenton, Amira looked to establish a new life in the U.S., often sharing moments with David on social media. Although David denied being in a romantic relationship with Amira, they were seen shopping for RVs together, sparking speculation about a deeper connection. Amira even hinted at moving in with him, sharing a photo of her packed bags on Instagram.
A Call to Action Amidst Conflict
New Connections Amidst Turmoil
David resurfaced in April 2022 with a feature in 90 Day Fiancé Diaries, where he confirmed the conclusion of his connection with Amira. Subsequently, he returned to online dating, encountering a new woman named Olga from Ukraine, whom he had known for several years. As he was set to meet Olga in Ukraine, David applied to the Ukrainian embassy to join their fight against Russia, citing prior military experience. He meticulously prepared for this journey, maintaining an exercise routine and purchasing combat gear.
Social Media Presence and Health Struggles
Signs of Declining Health
However, David’s hopes were dashed when the Ukrainian embassy rejected his application due to a lack of combat experience. Following this, he vanished from social media until November 2024, when he reappeared looking noticeably frail. A post shared by fellow blogger Nikolas Stonestreet drew attention, featuring David at The Cheesecake Factory and highlighting a candid moment about his dating choices.
Family’s Announcement of David’s Passing
A Life Remembered
On December 18, 2024, a somber Instagram post brought the tragic news of David’s passing, which occurred on December 11, 2024, at the age of 66. This announcement, made by his family, revealed that he had struggled with various health issues for several years. David was not only a veteran and a small business owner but also served as a software engineer and recently retired from public office.
David is survived by his two sisters and his beloved cat, Gamera. His family requested privacy during this challenging time, urging fans to honor his memory with donations to The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, an organization David passionately supported due to his love for cats.
Health Struggles and Final Days
The Battle with Cancer
In 2022, David disclosed that he faced numerous health challenges, including blood clots in his lungs and blockages in his liver and pancreas. Reports from TMZ indicated that he had been diagnosed with liver cancer, undergoing over 13 surgeries in the preceding year while awaiting another operation before his untimely death. Despite significant weight loss and declining health, David managed to spend time with friends and family shortly before he died.
90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days continues to air Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.
Source: Lana Svetlana /Instagram, David Murphey /Instagram, David Murphey /Instagram, 90 Day Fiancé /Instagram, Nikolas Stonestreet /Instagram, TMZ , David Toborowsky /Instagram
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