On 4 July 2012 he suffered a severe stroke and was transported to a hospital specializing in cerebrovascular diseases called "Sveti Sava" in Belgrade. He was treated in the intensive care unit and was reported to be in critical condition. Reports also stated that after the stroke he was in a coma for two days. He remained in critical condition in the hospital for about three weeks. After treatment for the stroke, he was discharged from the hospital, but reported to not be able to walk without assistance and that it was difficult for him to speak.