A 31-year-old wellbeing influencer who had been struggling to get pregnant for years died after suffering cardiorespiratory arrest during an assisted reproduction treatment at a human reproduction clinic in Brazil on 17 February.
Gabriela Martins Santos de Moura went into cardiac arrest during the fertility procedure, with local reports not clarifying whether she was undergoing IVF or egg retrieval. She was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care, where she remained for eight days before medical teams confirmed brain death.
The tragedy occurred just one day after Santos de Moura and her husband, orthopedic doctor Samuel Moura, celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary. The couple had been trying to conceive for years before the fatal complications during the fertility treatment.
Her family confirmed organs would be donated, sharing in a social media statement: “It is with immense sadness that we communicate the passing of our Gabriela, whose brain death was confirmed today by the medical team. At this moment of pain, we are comforted to know that her love and generosity will remain alive through the decision to proceed with organ donation, a gesture of immense greatness that will bring hope and life to other people, just as she was.”
Santos de Moura was originally from Teresina in the state of Piaui. A memorial was held on Wednesday at the Santa Rita de Cassia Church following confirmation of brain death.
Shocked fans took to social media to mourn the influencer. “So sad. So young and beautiful… May God have him in his glory… Rest in peace,” one person wrote. Another stated: “What a tragic and tragic event, so new and beautiful. May God comfort the family and friends.”
“God of comfort, I will never forget you, your sweet and sincere advice, that gives strength to Samuel and his eternal family,” said someone else.
Over the weekend, beauty and fashion influencer Maria Rita Rodrigues da Silva died aged 25 after suffering a sudden medical emergency. Her parents wrote: “Unfortunately, Maria suffered a sudden illness and left us.” Her exact cause of death has not been disclosed. Maria, from São Bernardo do Campo in Brazil, had amassed more than 65,000 followers on TikTok and over 11,000 on Instagram.
