David Murphey, known for his appearances on the reality series 90 Day Fiancé, passed away on December 11, 2024, at the age of 66. His family shared the sad news on December 18, 2024, via his verified Instagram account, confirming he had been dealing with significant health problems for several years.
The statement revealed, “We are deeply saddened to announce... passed away at home on December 11, 2024.” Solitary at home, Murphey succumbed to his health issues, which included complications related to his liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Although the specifics of his ailments were not disclosed, he had previously mentioned being “in and out of the hospital” over several months, with doctors unable to pinpoint his exact condition.
Murphey, who was from Las Vegas, Nevada, had built a following during his time on 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days and had become well-known for his long-distance relationship with his Ukrainian girlfriend, Lana. Their relationship drew viewers' attention as Murphey detailed the challenges he faced trying to meet Lana, who he claimed stood him up multiple times. The couple eventually got engaged, but their romance took several complicated turns after they appeared together on the show.
His family described him as “a veteran, small business owner, and software engineer,” noting his recent retirement from the Clark County Treasurer's office and his previous work experience at H&R Block and IGT. “His time on the show allowed him to connect with viewers, see the world, and share his experiences with his thousands of followers on Instagram. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans,” the family wrote.
Among those mourning his passing are fellow cast members from the show. Ella Johnson, who starred alongside him, expressed her condolences with, “I am so sorry to see this he was a very wonderful man my deepest sympathy to his friends family and all who loved him.” Amira Lollysa shared, “My friend, rest in peace,” reflecting the collective sadness felt within the show's community. Stephanie Matto echoed sentiments of loss, saying, “This is so sad.”
David and Lana met through the Eastern European dating app, Anastasia Date, and had shared their experiences online for years before finally meeting face-to-face. Murphey estimated he spent around 5,000 hours communicating with Lana, which he noted cost him over $100,000 due to the site's fees for messages and live chats. Despite the financial and emotional investment, their relationship was rocky, with Murphey sharing stories about attempts to meet her, which often ended up unsuccessful. “The first time, she did stand me up. Second time, her brother died. Third time, she had to have surgery,” he explained during the show.
Despite their engagement, the couple's relationship deteriorated after tensions arose over Lana's continued presence on dating websites, which led to their eventual breakup. “Part of my conditions for doing [more for her] was to get her off the (dating) websites, and she didn’t get off the websites, so four months later, we just stopped communicating,” he revealed. This candidness about the ups and downs of their relationship helped endear Murphey to fans, who appreciated his vulnerability and authenticity.
Survived by his two sisters and his beloved cat Gamera, David Murphey left behind grieving family, friends, and fans. His family has requested donations to The Animal Foundation as a tribute to his love for animals. His passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from fans who admired his story, both as part of the series and as an individual who shared his life’s trials and tribulations with the world.
David's life showcased both the beauty and challenges of relationships formed through digital platforms. Many followers now reflect on their fond memories of his moments on the show, and the heartfelt messages expressed highlight the impact he had on viewers’ lives. While Murphey’s story may have ended, the connections he made throughout his time on 90 Day Fiancé will remain cherished by many.
David will be remembered not just for his reality TV appearances but for the warmth and authenticity he brought to his interactions and his impactful efforts as he navigated love and heartache.
