Home / Crime and Justice / Influencer's Death: Heart Attack or Foul Play?
Influencer's Death: Heart Attack or Foul Play?
7 May
Summary
- Barbara Jankavski, known as 'Human Barbie,' was found dead at a public defender's home.
- Initial ruling of heart attack from cocaine use was disputed by family and prosecutors.
- A new autopsy was performed after her body was exhumed, but initial findings were upheld.
The death of Brazilian influencer Barbara Jankavski, widely known as 'Human Barbie,' has concluded with a confirmed cause. Jankavski, 31, a content creator recognized for her cosmetic procedures, was discovered unresponsive at the home of 51-year-old public defender Renato Campos Pinto de Vitto on November 2, 2026. Investigators initially determined her death was a heart attack linked to cocaine use. However, this conclusion was contested by prosecutors and Jankavski's family, who pointed to markings on her body suggesting possible asphyxiation or strangulation.
Following this dispute, Jankavski's body was exhumed on February 3, 2027, as per a court order. This allowed for a new autopsy and further examinations to specifically look for signs of strangulation or defense wounds. Despite these efforts, a report released by the São Paulo Forensic Science Police this week reaffirmed the original cause of death: a heart attack. The findings have been forwarded to the Civil Police, who are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death as suspicious.
During the initial investigation, De Vitto stated he had hired Jankavski for sexual services on the night of her death and that they had used illicit substances together. He reported finding her unresponsive after she fell asleep and calling emergency services. While the police noted an injury on her left eye and marks on her back, a friend attributed the facial injury to a previous fall.
