Investigation launched as 'human Barbie' influencer Barbara Jankavski dies at 31

An investigation has been launched after influencer Barbara Jankavski, known as the 'human Barbie' online, died aged 31.

A Brazilian social media personality who became known for her extensive plastic surgery has died in mysterious circumstances.

Authorities are investigating the death of Barbara Jankavski, who was found unresponsive at a residence in São Paulo.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Sunday (2 November) after the alarm was raised. But, despite multiple resuscitation attempts by officers, her death was confirmed at the scene.

According to police, a female friend who had visited the property earlier that evening reported that the influencer had sustained an eye injury earlier in the day.

In recent weeks, she had posted a selfie video revealing severe bruising and bloodshot eyes following an operation.

“Scarring is almost invisible,” she joked in the video.

Authorities have marked the death as 'suspicious' and are waiting for full autopsy results before advancing their inquiry.

Throughout her life, Jankavski had 27 cosmetic procedures in an effort to achieve the aesthetic of a real-life Barbie doll. The 31-year-old invested approximately £42,000 in surgical enhancements.

She built up her reputation on social media, with her Instagram account attracting more than 55,000 followers, where she called herself Boneca Desumana.

While the nickname 'Inhuman Doll' referred to her dramatic transformation, Barbara was also called the Human Barbie due to the substantial sums she invested in resembling the famous icon. Her public attention also led to appearances on television shows and in commercial campaigns.

Jankavski's last social media post featured influencer Avós Da Razão, on 1 October. She had gone silent on her social platforms for over a month before her death.

Beneath the final upload, mourners have been sharing their shock and grief.

"How sad. Rest in peace flower," one wrote.

"Wow, when I saw it was her I couldn't believe it 😭 😭 rest in peace my love," another shared.

"Folks, I just saw it on TikTok and came to check if it was her. Omg so sad, I really liked her content," a third person added. "May you rest in peace."

"Rest in peace diva, you lived a bit of the life that I always wanted, that comforts us a bit," a fourth user replied.

Over on X, people have commented similar reactions to the news.

"Rest easy, Barbie. The realest doll of them all," a user wrote.

"Only 31 👀 that's a life lost too young RIP," another surprised X user shared.