Brazilian Influencer Dies at 45 After Cardiac Arrest During Tattoo Procedure

SÃO PAULO, Brazil – Ricardo Godoi, a 45-year-old Brazilian influencer known for his social media content about luxury cars, died on Jan. 20 after suffering cardiac arrest while undergoing general anesthesia for a full back tattoo. The incident occurred before the tattooing process began, according to the owner of the tattoo studio overseeing the procedure.

“What happened was that, at the beginning of the sedation and intubation, he went into cardiac arrest,” the studio owner, who described Godoi as a “great friend,” told local media in an interview published Jan. 22. “That occurred before they even started tattooing him. He was quickly checked, and a cardiologist was called in to try to revive him, unfortunately without success.”

Godoi passed away at 12 p.m. local time, as confirmed by a tribute post shared on his official Instagram page. “Today we say goodbye to Ricardo Godoi,” the post read in Portuguese. “An incredible person who left his mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.” The message highlighted his joy, generosity, and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

The tattoo studio released a statement to the Daily Mail detailing the precautions taken before the procedure. “We hired a private hospital with all the staff, equipment, and anesthetic drugs necessary for the safety of the procedure,” the statement said. “We also hired a doctor with a specialism in anesthesiology and experience in intubation, whose documentation was approved by the hospital.”

Godoi, whose social media bio indicated he was married at the time of his death, was remembered by friends and followers for his vibrant personality. “I spoke to him in the morning,” his friend Eduardo Razuk told the outlet. “Unbelievable, none of us expected that. He’s already in my prayers. Godoi was certainly an enlightened person.”

E! News reached out to Godoi’s family for comment but has not yet received a response. The influencer’s death has sparked widespread shock and mourning among his online community and loved ones.