Chinese Doctor Who Discovered Coronavirus Dies of the Disease [WATCH VIDEO]

Dr. Li Wenliang was an ophthalmologist practicing in Wuhan, the city in China where the epidemic originated. Li, 34, was hospitalized and treated for a coronavirus infection, according to NPR.

It was reported that Li sought to warn his colleagues of the disease in late December and also took to popular Chinese social media platforms to spread awareness. However, within days, local police paid him a visit and reprimanded him for the posts, as reported by CNN. Additionally, he signed a statement on Jan. 3, a copy of which has circulated online in which he acknowledges making “false statements.”

Chinese authorities has launched an investigation following his death on Friday.