David Murphey, known for his appearances on the TLC reality show 90 Day Fiancé, has died at the age of 66. His family announced his passing on December 11, 2024, via social media, citing health issues he endured over the years.
Murphey gained notable recognition from the fourth season of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, where he detailed his long-distance relationship with his Ukrainian girlfriend, Lana. Their story captivated viewers as it documented Murphey's quest to meet Lana, whom he first encountered on a dating site. Their initial meeting took place when Murphey traveled to Ukraine, culminating in their engagement shortly after his arrival.
His family described him as not only a veteran and small business owner but also as a software engineer who had recently retired from his role at the Clark County Treasurer’s office. His feedback about retirement was positive, as he looked forward to living life on the road. The family emphasized, "David was well-known for his time on the show, which allowed him to connect with viewers and share his experiences with his thousands of followers on Instagram."
Despite his on-screen fame, Murphey faced challenges behind the scenes. During the 2022 episode of 90 Day Diaries, he opened up about the reasons for his split from Lana, stating, "She thought, ‘Well, now you can help me do the things you promised,’ like get her some English lessons. But part of my conditions was to get her off the [dating] website. She didn’t ... so I didn’t offer any bonuses. Four months after our engagement, we just stopped communicating." Their relationship, which lasted for seven years, ended publicly, yet Murphey didn’t shy from seeking companionship elsewhere, indicating on the show he had started to communicate with another woman, Olga, online.
His passing marks the end of a life filled with diverse experiences and relationships, but his family took the opportunity to highlight his fierce love for animals, especially cats. They expressed this affection through their statement on social media, noting, "David always made an effort to adopt cats and give them loving homes." To honor his memory, the family is requesting donations to be made to The Animal Foundation, located in Las Vegas, where Murphey frequently adopted his feline companions.
David Murphey's legacy lives on, reflecting the human stories behind reality television—stories of love, heartbreak, and life lessons. The family underscored how much he would be missed by his loved ones, saying, "He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans." He leaves behind his two sisters and his beloved cat, Gamera.
With his passing, fans and followers look back at the moments he shared, his candidness about personal struggles, and the lessons learned from his reality TV experiences. Although he faced significant health challenges, including several hospitalizations related to blood clots and liver issues, Murphey maintained his enthusiasm for life until his last days.
Echoing the sentiments of many who admired him, Murphey's family reflected on how his time on 90 Day Fiancé and subsequent appearances impacted not just his life but also those who followed along on the tumultuous ride of televised romance. The reality seeker learned, as he reminded others, "Nothing is real until you meet." His engaging nature and unique story left footprints wherever he went, and as tributes pour out from fans and friends alike, his memories will continue to live on through the narratives he shared.
David Murphey's intriguing yet poignant story will always be juxtaposed with the charm and challenge of building connections across cultures and distances. His struggles for love, coupled with his unique approach to life, made him one of the more relatable personalities from the 90 Day Fiancé franchise.
