97-Year-old Dies After Dancing at His Birthday Party

WHO:

NDTV - Vito, a 97-year-old California man, died at his birthday party.

NDTV - Eden Malinoff, a 24-year-old Los Angeles-based baker and Vito’s neighbor, shared the story and posted a video of him dancing.

NDTV - Malinoff said Vito was “always full of energy and life” and that she could not keep up with him when celebrating.

NDTV - Malinoff said Vito told her the secret to a long life was “to never drink cheap liquor.”

NDTV - Social media users described spending his final moments among loved ones and celebrating as a good way to die.

WHAT:

NDTV - Vito celebrated his 97th birthday with a Halloween-themed party described by Malinoff as a “Halloween birthday rager.”

NDTV - A video showed Vito clapping, dancing, and smiling to the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive,” wearing a black button-down shirt and dress pants.

NDTV - Vito died suddenly at the party shortly after guests sang “Happy birthday” to him.

NDTV - Malinoff said Vito was not intoxicated and called his death a “freak event.”

NDTV - Malinoff said: “He was surrounded by people he loved, we were celebrating his long and full life, and I'm just so grateful I got to be a part of it.”

NY Post - Its headline reported that the 97-year-old California man died at his birthday party moments after dancing to the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.”

NY Post - The article excerpt quoted Malinoff: “He wanted to celebrate by throwing a Halloween birthday rager.”

Drudge Report - Its headline also reported that a 97-year-old died at his birthday party moments after dancing to “Stayin’ Alive.”

WHERE:

NDTV - The party took place in California; Malinoff was based in Los Angeles.

WHY:

NDTV - Malinoff said Vito wanted to celebrate his birthday with a Halloween-themed party. The article did not report a cause of death.

HOW:

NDTV - Malinoff said she made Vito a red wine chocolate cake in his honor.

NDTV - Vito’s dancing was captured in a video that later went viral.

(UPDATED November 5, 2026 20:10 UTC)

California 97-year-old Vito died suddenly at his birthday party, shortly after dancing to the Bee Gees. He had celebrated with a Halloween-themed gathering, surrounded by loved ones and friends. Neighbor Eden Malinoff shared video of Vito dancing, remembering his energy and zest for life.