How Barbara Jankavski, the “Human Barbie,” Died? Cause of death explored

Brazilian social media star Barbara Jankavski, widely known as the “Human Barbie,” was discovered dead on November 2, 2025, in circumstances that have left both her family and authorities questioning the events leading up to her death.

The 31-year-old influencer, famous for her doll-like appearance and numerous cosmetic procedures, was found unresponsive at the São Paulo residence of public defender Renato Campos Pinto De Vitto on Wednesday. Jankavski had gained popularity online, boasting more than 55,000 followers on Instagram and over 340,000 on TikTok, regularly sharing posts about her beauty transformations and surgeries.

São Paulo’s Technical-Scientific Police and Civil Police reported that toxicology results indicated Jankavski died from accidental cocaine intoxication. The state’s Public Security Secretariat confirmed that chemical substances associated with the overdose were found in her system.

Renato Campos Pinto De Vitto contacted emergency services after discovering Jankavski had stopped breathing and attempted CPR for several minutes before medical teams arrived and pronounced her dead. De Vitto reportedly told investigators that he had paid the influencer for “s*xual services” on the night of her death and that both had consumed drugs. He also stated that Jankavski had slipped and injured her eye while falling asleep. Authorities found her in a nearby pool house wearing only underwear, with marks on her back and an apparent injury near her left eye, initially prompting suspicion.

Despite authorities ruling the death as accidental, Jankavski’s family has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the findings. Their lawyers contend that the injuries on her face and neck suggest possible foul play and question the thoroughness of the investigation. The family has also criticized the authorities for failing to test everyone present in the home, collect potential DNA evidence from under her fingernails, or seize cell phones for forensic analysis.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested that the case be reviewed by the Jury Court, which handles homicide investigations, and sent to the Departamento de Homicídios e Proteção à Pessoa (DHPP). Barbara Jankavski’s attorneys have indicated they may seek a second autopsy or even exhumation, arguing that the amount of cocaine in her system may have been insufficient to cause death.

Following the incident, De Vitto took medical leave from his position at the Public Defender’s Office due to post-traumatic stress. Meanwhile, fans of the influencer have expressed condolences and shock over her sudden passing on social media.