Beauty influencer dies suddenly after weight loss surgery 'didn't go smoothly'

A beauty influncer has died in after suddenly falling ill while recovering from

Valéria Pantoja, a mum-of-one from , became seriously unwell on Friday, May 3, and was rushed to a hospital - but was unresponsive by the time she arrived. Her heartbroken family took to to break the news to her 12,700 followers.

Instagram Stories announcing news of the beauty guru's death were posted on her account: "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Valéria Pantoja," an English translation of the Portuguese "note of condolence" read.

"She was a beloved person and leaves memories that will comfort our hearts. May God give strength and comfort to family and friends at this difficult time," the post continued. The family also thanked her fans for their "support and affection."

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As the word spread, some began speculating on the cause of Valéria's death. Her sister-in-law then clarified: “She didn’t take her own life, and she didn’t fall down the stairs. We still don’t know the cause of death. Only the autopsy will tell us. She was recovering from bariatric surgery, was very weak, felt unwell during the night, and sadly arrived at the hospital with no signs of life.” Valéria’s family did not reveal the ’s age.

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a procedure designed to treat obesity and other related health conditions. Before her death, Valéria had worked as a beautician in Manaus, , offering lip fillers, Botox, and micropigmentation. Her Instagram bio read: “I help you find the best version of yourself.”

Her follower Luh Sales said: “She had the surgery last year, but her recovery didn’t go smoothly.”

One person shared a separate heartfelt statement about Valéria: "I can't even look at myself in the mirror properly because I look at my eyebrows and I remember you because on Saturday we were at Studio together. You were doing my eyebrows and gossiping like we always did, talking about trips, futures.

"I really wanted to learn from you about esthetics because I'm graduating this year and I really admired your work... but I learned something from you, I learned to be kind, to be cheerful, to be determined. Thank you for every moment, for every conversation. What comforts me is that I was able to say goodbye, I hugged you, and I said "bye, amigaaaa" as we used to... I love you, friend, forever," reports

Another tribute read: "I still can't get my head around it all! It's all a big nightmare for me! I find myself thinking about you all the time, my friend! It seems that at any moment I'm going to say something funny and you're going to laugh. You were an incredible person, I'll never forget you."