Cosmetologist sentenced after illegal silicone injection kills Kim Kardashian lookalike
Silicone was found in Gourkani's bloodstream after she became immediately ill and died
An unlicensed cosmetologist has been sentenced to four years in prison for the death of OnlyFans model and Kim Kardashian lookalike Christina Ashten Gourkani, 34, who died in April 2023 after receiving illegal silicone butt injections inside a California hotel room.
Sentence handed down on Monday
Vivian Alexandra Gomez received the four-year term on Monday, 15 June, as reported by NBC Bay Area and the San Francisco Chronicle. The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office had confirmed in March that Gomez was found guilty of felony involuntary manslaughter and practising medicine without a licence, in a statement shared on X.
What happened in the hotel room
Gomez travelled from Florida to California, flying into San Francisco International Airport before making her way to a hotel where she administered gluteal injections to Gourkani. The district attorney's office stated that Gourkani "became immediately ill" and "died of respiratory failure."
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe previously confirmed the date of death as 20 April 2023, with prosecutors reporting that silicone was found in her bloodstream.
Gourkani had amassed a significant online following through her striking resemblance to Kim Kardashian and her presence on OnlyFans.
Expert warns of deadly silicone risks
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael K. Obeng, a member of PEOPLE's Health Squad, spoke to PEOPLE in May 2023 about the grave dangers posed by illegal cosmetic injections. "Most of these illegal injections are made with silicone, and silicone or any foreign substance can migrate within the body, which can lead to infection and hardness over time, deforming parts of the body," he said. He added: "And as with any injection, it can go into your bloodstream. And if it gets in the bloodstream, it can block the blood vessels and cause necrosis [or dead tissue]. So that's a huge danger."
Gomez fled before arrest
Gomez left California immediately after performing the procedure and returned to Florida, according to NBC Bay Area. She was subsequently arrested on a warrant issued in San Mateo County and transferred back to California to face charges.
Gomez's attorney defended his client's character following sentencing. "She's a very nice woman," he said, per NBC Bay Area. "She was willing to accept responsibility for involuntary manslaughter a long time ago."
