A GERMAN backpacker who fell seriously ill after collapsing at a party on New Year’s Eve has died.
Travel vlogger Vanessa Konopka was forced to stay in hospital for months as she lost her ability to eat and walk, according to her devastated boyfriend.
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Doctors diagnosed Vanessa with pneumonia and severe liver damage when she was rushed in for treatment.
The Solingen-native was left bedridden by the illnesses as they took a toll on her body for weeks after the ill-fated party.
During this time, Vanessa couldn’t speak, sit up by herself or go outside for fresh air.
Despite her deteriorating condition, Vanessa managed to continue posting videos to their shared vlog, Happiness Crossing, documenting her life from her hospital bed.
Footage shows Vanessa, her skin appearing to yellow from jaundice, reviewing hospital meals and food from local restaurants.
Her boyfriend, Fernando, had set up a GoFundMe page to ask for help as he said the air ambulance back to Germany would cost 200,000 Euros.
In a hopeful update on February 20, he wrote online: “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 till Vanessa gets strong enough so she can go back to Germany for treatment.
“We thank you for all your prayers, all donation, all words of support. God will bless you all.”
Tragically, just two weeks later, Vanessa passed away.
Heartbroken Fernando confirmed her death on March 7 as he said: “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.
“Kushka, if you are perhaps reading this somewhere, thank you so much for teaching me how to love myself 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.”
The couple had met each other in Port Douglas, Australia, and had been living in the Philippines since December 2022.
They lived on Boracay, where they recorded content showcasing the island life on their vlog, Happiness Crossing.
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