RIO DE JANEIRO (BN24) — A 33-year-old influencer and her 15-year-old daughter found dead in their apartment in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro after neighbors reported a suspicious odor coming from the residence, according to multiple local reports.
The bodies of Lidiane Aline Lorenço, a model and social media personality, and her daughter Miana Sophya Santos were discovered on Friday, October 10, after several days of their unexplained absence. Authorities were alerted when neighbors in the building noticed a strange smell emanating from the apartment. Local police, along with the fire department, responded to the scene and made the grim discovery.
Upon entering the apartment, officers found Miana’s body in the living room and her mother’s body in one of the bedrooms. The two were reported to have been missing for five days, raising concerns among family and friends who had not heard from them during that time.
Initial reports from local outlet G1, citing the Barra da Tijuca police department (16th DP), stated that no signs of violence or external injuries were found on either of the bodies. A forensic examination of the apartment also revealed no signs of a struggle or forced entry. The Civil Police confirmed in a statement that while autopsies were conducted, the cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities indicated that additional tests would be carried out to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Despite the lack of visible signs of trauma, the deaths of Lorenço and Miana remain unexplained. Local authorities are actively investigating the case, though it is not yet clear whether foul play is involved or if other factors may have contributed to the tragedy. As of now, investigators have not ruled out any potential causes, including possible accidental death or a natural event.
Lorenço, who had over 54,000 followers on Instagram, was a well-known figure in Brazil’s influencer and modeling scene. She was also a medical student at a private university in Rio de Janeiro, according to her social media profiles and local reports. Lorenço had moved to Rio over five years ago, and Miana was reported to have recently moved in with her mother. Both were originally from Santa Cecília, a town in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.
In the days before the discovery, neighbors had not seen the pair for an extended period, which led to growing concern. Lorenço’s followers and friends on social media expressed their shock and sadness over her sudden disappearance and death. Family members also confirmed on social media that they had been unable to reach the mother and daughter for several days, which prompted the call to local authorities.
Funeral services for Lorenço and Miana took place on Sunday, October 12, at the Santa Cecília Municipal Cemetery in their hometown, Santa Cecília. Their deaths have drawn widespread media attention, with local outlets reporting extensively on the investigation.
A spokesman for the Civil Police told UOL Notícias that the investigation is ongoing. “We are conducting a thorough examination of all evidence available and will continue to explore all possibilities,” the spokesman said. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage from the building to identify any potential leads.
Lorenço’s death has raised concerns over the safety of influencers, particularly in the digital age, where online fame can sometimes bring unforeseen risks. Friends and followers alike have expressed their heartfelt condolences, remembering her not just for her social media presence but for her academic pursuits and ambitions as a medical student.
As of now, police continue to gather information, and updates on the case are expected in the coming days as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the deaths of this mother and daughter.
