Influencer Maria Sofia Valim, 19, dies after emergency liver transplant: ‘Shine like a little star’

Brazilian influencer and aspiring lawyer Maria Sofia Valim has died due to health complications following a liver transplant gone awry. She was 19 years old.

Her untimely passing was confirmed in a statement by her father, Vitor Valim, who is the mayor of the municipality of Caucia in Ceará.

“It is with the deepest pain and sadness that I inform everyone of the passing of my beloved daughter Sofia,” the bereaved politician wrote on his Instagram page , per Globo1. “Unfortunately, her body did not survive. I thank everyone for the prayers and affection dedicated to me and my family in this moment of extreme suffering.”

As of yet, medics have not yet revealed the exact cause of death.

However, the tragic saga began on December 5, after Vitor announced on Instagram that Sofia, who was his eldest daughter, was suffering from health complications and required a liver transplant.

The distraught pol didn’t elaborate on what was ailing her, but two days later he wrote that she’d found a match and had successfully undergone the procedure.

“After following the legal procedures and joining the liver transplant queue, Sofia was able to find a donor due to the urgency of her case,” Vitor wrote. “This morning a compatible donor was found and the surgery was carried out successfully. However, the next 48 hours will still be observation so that we can know if Sofia’s body will accept the new organ.”

Before her death, Sofia had become a fixture on Instagram, frequently sharing workout pics, skincare tips, and travel photos with her over 100,000 followers. The teen also frequently showcased her preference for luxury brands, frequently espousing her love for “Ferrari” cars, CNN Brazil reported.

In one of her final photos before her death, posted on November 25, the social media sensation could be seen smiling with her arm raised at a Taylor Swift concert during the Brazil leg of the “Eras Tour.”

Along with expanding her digital footprint, Sofia also studied law, which she declared “the love of her life.”

Fans were devastated over Sofia’s passing with fellow content creator Giovanna de Freitas writing, “May God welcome you with open arms! You were and always will be very special.”

“Most beautiful princess!” wrote influencer Livia Benocio. You shone here and you will shine like a little star beside our Father! Rest in peace. Family and friends cry at her departure but Heaven is celebrating welcoming you.”

Former teacher Aluisio Cavalcante Junior penned a moving tribute to the fallen star under her father’s announcement of her death.

“Sofia was my student. I remember your sweetness and affection during our time together,” he wrote. “There are no words to be said at this moment, just one certainty: her life was special, she was very loved, especially by her family, followed by the love of her friends, and she left many beautiful seeds in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of being with her… It was an honor being your daughter’s teacher.”