Romanian reality television star and former athlete Roxana Moise has died at the age of 39. The mother of three was known for her competitive spirit and passion for fitness. As per a report in the UK Sun, Moise first rose to fame after appearing on the first season of Exatlon Romania, a survival reality show inspired by the US hit Survivor.
She was part of the “Warriors” team and finished fifth in the competition. Moise’s family did not immediately disclose a cause of death. Reports indicate the star had been battling a brain tumour in recent months. She was often seen wearing a headscarf to hide her short hair.
As per Metro UK, her former coach, Nicoleta Lazar, spoke to Romanian sports site Fanatik. Lazar said Moise was “very sick,” but remained “optimistic.”
Lazar recalled their last conversation took place three months ago, before a planned dinner with other trained athletes.
Moise cancelled via text: “When we got there in the evening, she texted us that she couldn’t come anymore, that she was feeling very sick. I had spoken to her before, I think for at least an hour.”
Moise’s Career in Sports and Fitness
The UK Sun reported that before television, Moise had a successful career as a top handball professional. A leg injury later forced her to quit the sport.
Moise then channeled her energy into fitness instruction. She became a Kangoo Jumps instructor and a high school sports teacher in Râmnicu Vâlcea.
The athlete later opened her own women-only fitness center in the city. In her final Facebook post at the end of August, she was pictured smiling happily with her family.
Tributes Pour in for the ‘Rare, Kind, Gentle and Strong’ Star
Following the news of her passing, emotional tributes quickly flooded social media. Friends and family remembered Moise’s strength and light.
One friend wrote, expressing the shock and grief: “You went to heaven after a hard fight and left behind a void that no one can fill. You left too soon, but your love, kindness, and light will always remain with us.”
As per US Sun, another shared a powerful memory of their time: “We climbed the Moldoveanu Peak together, the roof of Romania, without knowing then that that day would remain forever in my heart. There, above the world, you smiled with all the light you carried within you. You were a rare, kind, gentle and strong woman with a kindness that I have rarely encountered.”
