Influencer Natalia Cavanellas Dies at Age 40 While Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery

Influencer Natália Cavanellas has died at age 40 after undergoing cosmetic surgery in Brazil.

CNN Brasil reported that the influencer died on July 7 after going into cardiorespiratory arrest during the procedure. Per the outlet, a report from the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat called the case a “sudden death.”

In a letter obtained by CNN Brasil, representatives for doctor Edgar Lopez — who performed the procedure on Cavanellas — claimed that she “underwent an elective surgical procedure, performed in a suitable hospital setting, with all preoperative examinations completed in accordance with safety protocols and medical monitoring.”

“Unfortunately, the patient developed a serious complication, compatible with pulmonary embolism, a rare event, but recognized in the medical literature as possible, even with all the preventive measures adopted,” the message read, translated from Portuguese to English. The letter added that the doctor has “over 20 years of experience” and “specialized training” in addition to a history of “always acting with ethics, responsibility and dedication.”

The letter shared that a cause of death is still an ongoing investigation by the Forensic Medical Institute.

The influencer, who amassed more than 105,000 followers on Instagram, is survived by husband Rafael Thomazella and daughter Manoella. Thomazella paid tribute to his wife in a social media post shared via her account on July 9.

“We all know what a great woman Natalia was. A beautiful, independent, super professional, happy woman, among so many other qualities,” he wrote via Instagram. “Sadly, Natalia left us yesterday, but forever she will be in our memories and our hearts. We have been married for a few years and the fruit of that marriage came our daughter, Manoella, who is the greatest gift I have ever received in my life. Manoella is a lot like Nat, even in her own way, because she’s very communicative, I think she pulled her mom into everything, and today I saw how good that was.”

Alongside the message, Thomazella shared a series of photos of himself and Cavanellas through the years. In one image, Cavanellas smiled for the camera as daughter Manoella grinned while sporting colorful face paint.

“I will always tell Manoella how her mother was an amazing woman, the kind of person that everyone loves, admires, and will always keep her alive in our memories,” he continued. “Bye Mozão, wife, mom, Nat Cavanellas. Stay with the angels! With love from dad and brother.”