In a heartbreaking turn of events, the 19-year-old Brazilian influencer Maria Sofia Valim tragically died due to health complications that arose after undergoing an emergency liver transplant.
On Saturday, Vitor Valim, the mayor of the Brazilian municipality of Caucaia and father of late Sofia, shared the devastating news of her unexpected demise on Instagram. In a translated statement, he expressed, “It is with the deepest pain and sadness that I inform everyone of the passing of my beloved daughter Sofia. Unfortunately, her body did not survive. I thank everyone for the prayers and affection dedicated to me and my family in this moment of extreme suffering.”
In the caption, he added a request for understanding during this difficult time, noting, “I would like to ask for everyone’s understanding at this time of so much pain. Wake and burial ceremonies will be limited to family only.”
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Maria Sofia’s father gave an update on her health two days before her death
Two days earlier, Vitor provided an update on Maria Sofia’s situation through another Instagram statement. The post read that the aspiring lawyer had found a suitable donor, and the critical liver transplant procedure had been successfully completed.
“After following the legal procedures and joining the liver transplant queue, Sofia was able to find a donor due to the urgency of her case,” her father shared. “This morning a compatible donor was found, and the surgery was carried out successfully. However, the next 48 hours will still be observation so that we can know if Sofia’s body will accept the new organ.”
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Fans expressed their condolences
In the wake of her passing, numerous fans of the influencer expressed their condolences on her Instagram, sharing their sorrow. “Rest in peace Sofia. You had so much left to live. I was so rooting for you to come out of this. Feeling like I lost a friend,” one grieving fan remarked.
Influencer Livia Benicio wrote, “The most beautiful princess! You shone here, and you will shine like a little star beside our Father! Rest in peace. Family and friends cry at her departure, but Heaven is celebrating welcoming you.”
“May God welcome you with open arms! You were and always will be very special,” expressed Giovanna de Freitas, along with a red heart emoji.
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‘She was very loved’
Underneath her father’s announcement of her passing, former teacher Aluisio Cavalcante Junior crafted a poignant tribute to her.
“Sofia was my student. I remember your sweetness and affection during our time together,” he shared. “There are no words to be said at this moment, just one certainty: her life was special, she was very loved, especially by her family, followed by the love of her friends, and she left many beautiful seeds in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of being with her… It was an honour being your daughter’s teacher.”