By P1 Staff
KIEV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian policewoman who became an internet sensation due to her glamorous selfies died from tuberculosis after a man she was arresting spat in her face.
Arina Koltsova contracted TB soon after the man spit on her on New Year’s Day.
According to Yahoo, Officer Koltsova did not know the suspect was suffering from TB. That, combined with her busy schedule, resulted in the 35-year-old remaining untreated for too long.
“She had received treatment. She underwent chemotherapy, she was fed food through an IV drip and she had lost a lot of weight,” her on-duty partner, Officer Mikhail Kindrakevich, told Yahoo.
However, the chemotherapy, often used to treat acute cases of tuberculosis, weakened her and caused her to become severely malnourished.
Sending #prayers for the family, friends & colleagues of Ukrainian Police #Officer Arina Koltsova. ??? pic.twitter.com/ZGgS6ONhHP
— Chaplain Dow (@ChaplainDow) August 2, 2016
She died on July 25 and was buried in Kiev two days later.
Her unit said of her on their social media page: “This is an irreplaceable loss for the whole of Kiev police, fond memories of Arina will remain in our hearts forever.”
It is currently unclear whether or not the man who spat in her face will face charges.