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LAS VEGAS: Popular 32-year-old Dubai-based travel influencer Anunay Sood has died during an expenses-paid weekend VIP trip to Las Vegas, his family confirmed in a statement posted on his social media on Thursday.

The social media celebrity, with 1.4 million followers on his Instagram account, had been attending the Concours elite car show at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas along with other influencers and journalists, and was due to start the journey home on Tuesday.

In a statement on his Instagram account his devastated family wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of our beloved Anunay Sood’s passing.”

The family went on to ask that people respect their privacy and avoid gathering near “personal property.”

“Please keep his family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers,” the statement added.

No details have been given on the cause of death, but those who were with him during the weekend said he seemed happy and had no health complaints.

The travel/adventure enthusiast had attended a series of events over the octane-fueled weekend including an elite Broad Arrow luxury car auction which saw a Bugatti sell for $2 million.

He also took part in the Strip Shutdown procession of supercars along the iconic Las Vegas strip, which included Bugattis, Marilyn Monroe’s 1955 Lincoln Capri pink Convertible, and a selection of McLaren cars. 

He had spent the weekend alongside other influencers and members of the media, mingling with the likes of Horacio Pagani and Christian Von Koenigsegg - as well as Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Sood’s last post on his Instagram account included a photo of him with “Fast and Furious” actor Sung Kang, with the comment: “Still can’t believe I spent the weekend surrounded by legends and dream machines.”

Best known for his travel videos Sood featured on Forbes India’s Top 100 Digital Stars list for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024).

As well as running his own marketing company and collaborating with tourist boards around the globe, he also became the first YouTuber to vlog inside the Bigg Boss House.

Best known for his travel videos Sood featured on Forbes India’s Top 100 Digital Stars list for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024).

Responding to the family’s statement, fellow Dubai-based influencer Cameron Biafore, who was also in the Las Vegas group, expressed her sadness at the news.

“You were such a bright light and was grateful to be able to experience that even for a moment. Rest in peace sweet Anunay your impact and love for life in this world will always be remembered.”