Russian rapper Pasha Technik, whose real name was Pavel Ivlev, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 40 in a hospital in Thailand. His death was confirmed by his ex-wife, Eva Karitskaya, who announced the news on her Telegram channel. Prior to his death, Technik had been on vacation in Thailand with his new girlfriend and friends.
The rapper was admitted to the hospital on March 27, 2025, where he was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe lung damage, septic shock, and respiratory failure. Doctors had to intubate him as his condition worsened. Despite the medical team's efforts, Technik's health continued to decline, leading to his eventual death.
Karitskaya shared a heartfelt message on her Telegram, stating, "Rest in peace. I will remember you as happy. I love you," alongside a photo of the two. The couple had a young son together, adding a layer of tragedy to the news.
In the days leading up to his death, there were growing concerns about Technik's health. Friends and acquaintances speculated that he may have been poisoned by an unknown fan at a party, as they noted he had been in a critical state for several days before being hospitalized. Reports indicated that he had been struggling with pneumonia and sepsis, which developed after he was not taken to the hospital sooner.
On March 29, Karitskaya reported that Technik's lungs were severely infected, but his brain remained intact. By March 31, his doctor revealed that nearly 100% of his lungs were compromised. The rapper was placed on life support, including a ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), to assist with his breathing.
As news of Technik's condition spread, a project called "Living," which supports former drug addicts, began raising funds for his treatment. They reported that on April 3, Technik's manager had brought 20 kilograms of necessary medications to Thailand, and local doctors began to follow the recommendations of a Russian specialist.
However, on April 4, the project announced that Technik had experienced clinical death but was resuscitated. His family considered transporting him from Phuket to Bangkok for further treatment, but the doctors deemed him too weak for transport. Karitskaya expressed the urgency of the situation, stating that the cost of transportation would be around 1,540,000 Thai baht (approximately $45,000).
Later that day, as his condition deteriorated, Karitskaya reported that he was experiencing internal bleeding and pneumothorax, a condition where air accumulates between the lungs and their lining. She noted the critical situation, stating, "He is generally not transportable now. But the doctors are fighting, they are trying to stop this bleeding."
Technik's career began in the early 2000s when he co-founded the influential rap group Kunteynir. The group disbanded in 2008 after he was sentenced to five years for drug-related offenses, but they reunited in 2013 after his release. Pasha Technik became known for his provocative lyrics and outrageous behavior, often linked to his struggles with addiction.
In 2014, he gained significant attention after a scandalous performance at a Versus Battle, where he appeared intoxicated and failed to complete his battle against rapper Brol. This incident went viral, contributing to his notoriety in the underground hip-hop scene.
Throughout his life, Technik faced numerous challenges, including multiple run-ins with the law related to substance abuse. He had openly discussed his addiction issues, which began after his release from prison in 2013. Despite attempts at rehabilitation, he struggled to maintain sobriety, leading to a turbulent personal life, including his marriage to Karitskaya, which ended due to his addiction.
In 2022, he fell into a coma due to drug use, and his struggles continued to be a significant part of his narrative. Despite his challenges, he remained a beloved figure in Russian hip-hop, known for his unique style and ability to connect with his audience.
As fans and fellow artists mourn the loss of Pasha Technik, his legacy as a prominent figure in the Russian underground hip-hop scene will undoubtedly endure. His music and the stories of his life will continue to resonate with many, highlighting both the triumphs and struggles of a complex artist.
