A Netflix star has sadly passed away aged 44 after "running on a treadmill" as people have paid tribute.
Vittorio Pirbazari, best known for his role in Netflix’s Dogs of Berlin, collapsed while running on a treadmill.
According to the Sun, the 44-year-old had posted a health update to his 90,000 Instagram followers the day before his death.
His sudden death came three months after undergoing surgery to reattach a torn pectoral muscle, and not long after surviving a serious car crash that left him with injuries to his vertebra and legs.
Despite the setbacks, Pirbazari had been documenting his comeback, determined to get back in top shape.
In what would be his final Instagram post — published the day before his death — he opened up about his recovery journey. In a translated message, he told fans: “My current form after 12 weeks without exercise or much exercise.
"Of course, it’s no comparison to before, but I’m on the right track given the circumstances. Unfortunately, I’ve lost a lot of muscle, but that’ll all come back when I can get going again. I’m happy to be back in the gym and am focusing entirely on leg training and cardio.
"I’m trying intervals on the treadmill right now, but since my legs aren’t 100 per cent healed yet, I’m taking it slowly. The only thing that’s important to me right now is not to give up and not let go and to get better day by day, week by week. Have a nice Sunday friends.”
Alongside his work in fitness, Pirbazari was a familiar face on German television. He starred in Netflix’s gritty 2018 crime thriller Dogs of Berlin, which followed detectives investigating the high-profile murder of a fictional Turkish-German soccer star.
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in online. Fans and followers expressed their shock and grief, with one simply writing: “RIP champ.”
Another said: “I don’t want to believe it.” A third added: “Shocked and sad.” One more tribute read: “Condolences to his loved ones.”
A fourth person said: "Unbelievable!! I just didn't want to believe it yesterday. Even texted him that people are spreading fake news about him.
"You can't afford such an April fool's day, I thought. Unfortunately I realize that I was wrong. I'm shocked and sad at the same time. RIP my wonderful friend."