Frimu, who had been accused of instigation, died in a prison hospital. His last days at Văcărești Prison were recounted by the writer A. de Herz, with whom he shared a cell; according to Herz, the prison was infested with lice which carried the typhus bacteria. As a result of beating and torture by police during his arrest, Frimu's liver and kidneys were heavily damaged, as reportedly indicated by the physician Cristodulo, who was the last to consult him. Under heavy guard, Frimu, in agony, was transported to hospital, as a large group of socialist detainees, Cristescu included, sang "The Internationale". Cristodulo himself contracted typhus and died two weeks after his patient. Thousands of workers took part in Frimu's funeral, asking that those responsible for his death be punished.