Brazilian Influencer Dies During Full-Back Tattoo Procedure

ITAPEMA, Brazil — Ricardo Godoi, a 45-year-old Brazilian auto influencer and Instagram star, died on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, during a full-back tattoo procedure performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The incident occurred in Itapema, a coastal town in Brazil’s Santa Catarina state.

Godoi, who had over 220,000 Instagram followers, reportedly hired a tattoo studio to conduct the extensive inking process. The studio arranged for the procedure to take place at Dia Revitalite Hospital, equipped with medical staff and anesthesia specialists. According to the tattoo studio’s owner, Godoi went into cardiac arrest during the initial sedation and intubation phase, before the tattooing began.

“He was quickly checked, and a cardiologist was called in to try to revive him, unfortunately without success,” the owner said in a statement. The studio expressed deep regret over the tragedy, describing Godoi as a “great friend.”

Godoi, known for his content on luxury cars and as CEO of Godoi Premium Group, had informed his followers earlier that day that he would return to posting after the procedure. His death was confirmed at 12 p.m. on Monday.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. A death notice posted on Godoi’s Instagram account expressed condolences to his family and friends, stating, “May the memory of Ricardo Godoi be remembered with affection and respect by everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.”

Friends and followers mourned his passing, with one describing him as “an incredible person who treated people so well, always with enthusiasm.” Godoi is survived by his wife, Rafaela Gastaldi, and children.