Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder,Agency: Central European News
A popular ex-con vlogger whose videos have been viewed 95 million times has died suddenly aged 46.
Ukrainian influencer Sergey Novik, 46, better known by his nickname Mops Dyadya Pes (Uncle Pug Dog) rose to fame when he launched a YouTube channel from his prison cell and filmed live streams with prison pal Andrey Shadilo.
According to local media, their first video together went viral with over a million views. In total, Novik’s videos have been seen over 95 million times.
Even though the convict was released in summer 2016, Novik decided to keep his video blog going.
In the last video posted on Novik’s YouTube channel, viewers were informed about his untimely death. The information was also confirmed by channel’s administrators, according to reports.
Before his death, Novik had reportedly been suffering from double pneumonia, however, there has been no official confirmation of the cause of death so far.
He was born in the northern Ukrainian city of Bila Tserkva and spent a total of 27 years behind bars.
Novik committed his first crime at the tender age of 13 and he reportedly battled heroin addiction for a long time.
He has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Netizen ‘Delorian’ said: “No matter who he was, he was a human being at the end of the day.”
‘Andrey Klimenko’ commented: “Rest in peace, you will remain in our hearts forever.”
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