90 Day Fiancé’s Unseen Tragedy: Julia and Brandon Face Unimaginable Loss, Threatening Their Last-Resort Love and Future!

Get ready for a profoundly emotional and heartbreaking chapter in the lives of 90 Day Fiancé fan favorites Julia Trubkina and Brandon Gibbs. Approximately five years ago, Julia made the life-altering move from Russia to the U.S. on a K-1 visa, all to marry Brandon. Despite their nearly decade-long relationship, their journey has been anything but smooth, culminating in a dramatic, near-divorce saga that unfolded publicly on 90 Day: The Last Resort, a spin-off specifically designed to help struggling couples through intensive therapy. By the end of that tumultuous Tell All, Brandon and Julia were the only couple who officially remained together, even making the significant commitment to relocate Julia’s parents to the U.S. But in May 2025, an unimaginable tragedy struck their lives: the devastating death of their beloved dog, Simba. This profound loss has cast a dark shadow over their fragile reconciliation and brought forth deep, unresolved emotions for Julia.

Simba’s Legacy: A Loyal Companion and a Mother’s Unspoken Grief

While grappling with this immense grief, Julia sought solace by visiting her family in Belgrade, Serbia. Notably, Brandon was not with her during this difficult period, highlighting a potential disconnect or independent coping mechanisms within their relationship. It was during this time that Julia shared a particularly touching and poignant Instagram Story, revealing a dream she had about Simba:

“Last night I saw you in my dream for the first time in a month and a half since you were gone. And even in my dream you tried to protect me from a bear and I [tried to] protect you.”

This dream underscores the deep, protective bond Julia shared with her cherished pet. Simba was far more than just a dog to Julia, especially after she left her home country. He became an anchor in her life, a constant source of unconditional love and support through the significant challenges of adapting to a new country and navigating her often-turbulent relationship with Brandon. Even when her husband struggled to connect with her emotionally or provide the comfort she needed, Simba offered her unwavering, unconditional support through his calming presence. Julia cared for Simba with the same devotion and intensity one would show a child, truly treating him as if he were her own son.

Therefore, Simba’s sudden and permanent absence has undoubtedly created a profound void in Julia’s life. This loss may also be exacerbating or contributing to her ongoing struggles with the concept of maternal love and the couple’s difficult decision regarding having children. Julia’s dream of protecting Simba, even in his absence, likely reflects a deep-seated love and emotion that she now wishes she had expressed more fully, a common sentiment experienced by those grieving the loss of a beloved pet. The dream serves as a powerful testament to the emotional depth of her bond with Simba and the lingering pain of his absence.

A Community Shares Her Pain: The Impact of Simba’s Loss

The heartbreaking news of Simba’s diagnosis emerged in April 2025, an illness that ultimately and tragically led to his death. Though over a month has passed since his passing, Julia’s grief remains raw and palpable, showcasing the immense depth of her bond with him. For Julia, Simba was not just a pet; he was a true friend, a loyal and constant companion who offered unwavering, unconditional love. They shared a profoundly deep emotional bond that transcended typical pet ownership.

Given Brandon and Julia’s ongoing, well-documented struggle with the decision to have children, Julia’s current pain is even more understandable and poignant. For many people, pets serve as surrogate children, and the loss of such a companion can evoke a grief remarkably similar to losing a human child. This added layer of personal struggle intensifies the emotional impact of Simba’s death on Julia.

The announcement of Simba’s passing struck a powerful chord within the devoted 90 Day Fiancé community. Fans flooded Julia’s social media with an outpouring of sympathy and shared their own experiences with losing beloved pets, creating a collective space of understanding and empathy. Comments like, “Rip sweet simba” and “So sorry. Losing a pet is heartbreaking. Dogs are family,” underscored the shared grief and the universal recognition of the profound bond between humans and their animal companions. This communal response highlights how deeply Simba had become a part of their shared narrative, and how his loss affects not only Julia but also the many viewers who followed their journey. This tragic event undoubtedly marks a significant and challenging chapter for Julia and Brandon, testing their bond in ways they haven’t faced before.