Brazilian influencer Barbara Jankavski’s cause of death confirmed amid ongoing investigation

Authorities in Brazil have confirmed the cause of death of influencer Barbara Jankavski, known online as the “Human Barbie,” following months of conflicting reports, a family-led exhumation, and an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Jankavski, a 31-year-old content creator known for documenting cosmetic procedures on social media, was found dead on November 2 inside the home of public defender Renato Campos Pinto de Vitto, 51.

Initial forensic findings released in February concluded that she died from a heart attack linked to cocaine use. 

However, prosecutors and her family later challenged those findings, citing concerns over injuries observed on her body that they believed could suggest possible assault or strangulation.

Those concerns prompted a court-ordered exhumation of Jankavski’s body on February 3, during which investigators conducted a second autopsy along with additional examinations and X-rays to look for signs of physical trauma and defensive injuries.

Despite the renewed review, the São Paulo Forensic Science Police this week reaffirmed their original conclusion, stating that Jankavski’s cause of death was a heart attack, according to local outlet g1. 

The report has since been forwarded to Civil Police, who continue to treat the case as a suspicious death.

In the aftermath of her passing, Renato Campos Pinto de Vitto told authorities he had been with Jankavski on the night she died after reportedly hiring her for sexual services, according to a police report cited by CNN Brasil. He also stated that they had used illicit substances together.

De Vitto reportedly told investigators that Jankavski stopped moving after falling asleep, prompting him to call emergency services and attempt resuscitation for several minutes before medics arrived and confirmed her death.

Police noted that Jankavski was found wearing only underwear and had visible injuries, including marks on her back and trauma near her left eye. 

A friend later told investigators that the facial injury may have resulted from a previous accidental fall, according to CNN Brasil.

Authorities say the investigation remains open as officials continue to review all available forensic and testimonial evidence surrounding the case.