The key facts
- 97-year-old retiree Vito died at his party in Los Angeles shortly after dancing to Stayin' Alive
- The Halloween-themed party was organized by the birthday man's 24-year-old neighbor Eden Malinoff
- The video of his final dance garnered about 9.5 million views
Death during a 97th birthday celebration
In Los Angeles, a 97-year-old retiree named Vito died right at a party held in honor of his own birthday. Shortly before his death, he was dancing to Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees; the incident is reported by the Daily Mail citing a Life.ru publication. The party was Halloween-themed, and it was organized with the help of the birthday man's 24-year-old neighbor, pastry chef Eden Malinoff: she made a chocolate cake with red wine, and guests gathered to congratulate Vito on turning 97.
What is known about his final minutes
In footage published on TikTok, the man in a black shirt and classic trousers is smiling, clapping his hands, and dancing with friends. However, shortly after the guests performed the song Happy Birthday, the retiree felt unwell and suddenly died. According to a close friend, Vito had health problems, but those around him did not know how serious they were. He died surrounded by friends while his favorite music continued to play at the party.
Reaction on social media
“Unfortunately, the night did not end the way we expected, and Vito made a dramatic exit. But if he could have chosen his own death, this is exactly how it would have gone,” Malinoff said. The video of Vito's final dance garnered about 9.5 million views; users admired the retiree's zest for life. “If I learned anything from Vito, it's to never let age stop you,” the neighbor added. Shortly before the party, the birthday man himself jokingly shared his secret to longevity: “Never drink cheap alcohol.” Life.ru also recalls a similar case: the outlet previously reported on 27-year-old Kirillos Wadi, who lost consciousness at the end of his own wedding in Egypt and died despite being urgently hospitalized.
