Kickboxing champion Vitaly Merinov was seriously injured in a tough fight near Kreminna. On March 31, 2023, he died in the hospital from a life-threatening injury.
About this informs Ministry of Internal Affairs
Vitaly Merinov was born in Ivano-Frankivsk. The deceased was not just an athlete, he was a real hero who gave his life for the defense of Ukraine.
Vitaly has been involved in sports since childhood, achieving significant success in kickboxing. He became a four-time world champion, and also trained young athletes, raising more than one generation of champions. In addition to sports, Vitaly was actively engaged in social activities. He was a deputy of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council, a member of the executive committee, and also planned to run for mayor.
“The man was so energetic that he had enough for service, and he was also engaged in his public organization, engaged in his boys, whom he raised as athletes. It never interfered with the service and the performance of any tasks“, his brother remembers about Vitaly.
On February 24, 2022, just after the start of a full-scale war, Vitaliy joined the National Guard of Ukraine, in which he had served before, in particular in the area of anti-terrorist operation.
On March 31, 2023, Vitaly’s life ended. He is survived by his wife and young daughter Leia.
