In a tragic incident that spread across the internet, German travel vlogger Vanessa Konopka, 28, died on March 7, 2025, after falling ill at a Boracay party. Along with her boyfriend, Fernando, she ran “Happiness Crossing,” a popular travel channel that documented their adventures.
Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and severe liver damage, which left Konopka bedbound, unable to speak, eat, or walk. An earlier update incorrectly stated that she was “out of danger” and planning to repatriate her to Germany via a GoFundMe-funded air ambulance.
However, just a few short weeks later, she passed. Her boyfriend, Fernando, asked for prayers and credited “Kushka” for teaching him to follow his dreams. The pair had initially met in Australia several years ago, before settling in Boracay.
In the first premature update, Fernando said, “Vanessa is out of danger now, she reunited with her mother and they are both now in Boracay… They will wait a few more days until Vanessa gets strong enough so she can go back to Germany for treatment.”
However, just a few short weeks later, he made a video announcing her death. “Once again, I can only ask for your prayers so that God may bring comfort to the hearts of her loved ones… I trust in him; I know he is with Vanessa, and I know God is always with us,” her boyfriend announced..
Concluding his grieving reaction, the boyfriend noted, “Kushka, if you are perhaps reading this somewhere, thank you so much for teaching me how to love myself. It doesn’t matter what other people think. She showed me how to love myself and how to follow my dreams. I will forever love you and we may see each other again.”
Unfortunately, as we reported at the American Tribune, untimely influenza deaths are all too common. For example, Australian food influencer Stacey Hatfield, 30, died on September 29, 2025, from a race complication just hours after hours after son Axel’s arrival.
Announcing the tragic passing of his wife, Nathan Warnecke posted, “It’s with a heavy heart that I share with you the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, soul mate and best friend, Stacey Warnecke (Hatfield).”
Offering more details on the tragic case, he explained, “An unforeseen and extremely rare complication arose and she passed after being transferred to the hospital. Stace passed on the 29th September 2025 after successfully giving birth to our firstborn son, Axel, at home.”
Winiding down his comments, he noted that the hospital staff fought hard to save her. He noted. “Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts…Her last moments on earth were the happiest I’ve ever seen her.”
Wrapping up his comments, he paid tribute to his wife. “I knew Stace for 9 amazing years… She was my lighthouse in the storm and the world is less bright without her in it. Her biggest dream [was] to be a mum… she did it. On her terms, exactly the way she always dreamed of doing it. She held Axel when he was born, nursed him, saw that he was a boy and loved him… She loved him so much and still, continues to love him,” Warnecke declared.
Featured image credit: Vanessa on Facebook