Natalia Cavanellas, a well-known Brazilian influencer and businesswoman, died at 40 during a cosmetic surgery in São Paulo, Brazil. Her sudden passing has caused a big reaction in Brazil’s social media and business circles, where she was greatly respected not only for her achievements but also for her lively and friendly nature.
What Happened in the Operating Room?
Natalia, who has gained thousands of followers on her dedication to business and motivational posts concerning female entrepreneurship, was admitted to a hospital in São Paulo for an elective aesthetic surgery on 7 July. Sources indicated that the operation was multi-faceted: liposuction, buttock augmentation, and breast implant replacement. Although the first two phases of the surgery seemed to go well, as surgical staff prepared for the last phase of the surgery, fat injection into the buttocks, Natalia suffered a sudden cardiorespiratory arrest, and despite the physician’s best efforts to save her, she ultimately did not survive.
The Public Security Secretariat stated that it was a sudden death, though police are still investigating the incident. There will be a forensic medical examination that will reveal the exact cause of death. The surgeon named De. Edgar Lopez, who was doing the procedure, has indicated that Natalua must have suffered from a pulmonary embolism (a rare scenario where fat particles block the blood vessels, causing a fatal interruption of blood flow).
He stated. “Regrettably, the patient experienced a severe complication consistent with pulmonary embolism, a rare occurrence, yet acknowledged in medical literature as a possibility, even when all preventive measures are in place.”
Celebrated Life: Entrepreneur, Wife, and Mother
Natalia was not just famous on Instagram, but she lived a celebrated life with her husband and daughter. Natalia Cavanellas had over 100,000 followers on her personal account and almost 30,000 on her professional page. She was also a cherished wife to Rafael Thomazella and a caring mother to their young daughter, Manoella.
Rafael Thomazella wrote on Instagram, sharing their favourite photo memory and wrote, “We all know what a great woman Natalia was. A beautiful, independent, super professional, happy woman, among so many other qualities. Sadly, Natalia left us, but forever she will be in our memories and our hearts.”
He then went emotional and wrote, “We have been married for a few years and the fruit of that marriage ca,e our daughter, Manoella, who is the greatest gift I have ever received in my life. Manoella is a lot like Nat, even in her own way, because she’s very communicative, and I think she pulled her mom into everything.”
Impact of Her Death on the Community
Natalia’s impact went beyond social media. She started a public relations company and was a key figure in supporting women business owners in Brazil. She helped connect and grow opportunities for over 800 women in business and leadership roles. In March, the city of São Paulo honoured her as one of the top successful female entrepreneurs of the year.
Her passing has left her colleagues, friends, fans, and family deeply sad.
She was known for her happy personality, strong character, and kind-hearted nature.
Investigation Process
Local officials say a formal forensic report will find out exactly what caused the death. Although a pulmonary embolism is thought to be a possible reason, a rare but serious risk in complex cosmetic surgeries, the full investigation is checking all possible factors that might have led to this incident. Natalia’s family said she had no previous health problems and had had other beauty treatments without any problems, which makes her sudden passing even more surprising to her loved ones and fans.
A Cautionary Moment
The death of Natalia Cavanellas demonstrates the draw and danger of elective cosmetic surgery, particularly in an age of social media where influencers are freely discussing, or even endorsing, body modification interventions. Although complications are statistically uncommon, it is important to remember that patients should always have full knowledge of potential risks, even in the hands of the most seasoned doctors.
Natalia Legacy Continues
For those who knew Natalia Cavanellas, whether in person, at work, or through the exciting content she posted online, her memory will live on. Natalia was more than just someone on social media; she was a role model, a mentor, a loving wife, and a caring mother. Everywhere she went, she brought light and warmth, and her love for helping other women made a big difference in the lives of many.
Natalia helped build a strong group of women business leaders, supporting and encouraging over 800 women and executives in Brazil. People knew her for her hard work, kind heart, and real desire to help others succeed. Her honest and genuine nature made her not just respected, but deeply loved.
At home, Natalia’s love for her family was enormous. On the day of his wife’s passing, Rafael Thomazella shared an emotional description of his wife in which he mentioned that he will carry forward her legacy for their young daughter Manoella. He described Natalia as an incredible woman whose energy, dreams, and strength will be carried on in the life of their daughter.
Natalia is survived by her husband, Rafael, and daughter, Manoella, and by many friends, clients and followers. While her sudden loss comes with tremendous sadness, her meaningful and kind life will continue to inspire many, demonstrating that true legacies never die.
Refresh Date: August 19, 2025
