Brazilian fashion influencer, Adair Mendes Dutra Junior, popularly known as Junior Dutra, tragically passed away on October 3 at the young age of 31. His untimely death came in the wake of allegations he made about complications from a cosmetic procedure. Dutra had claimed that the procedure was performed by renowned celebrity surgeon, Fernando Garbi.
In a September interview with Feed TV, a Brazilian news network, Dutra revealed that he had suffered an infection following a facial cosmetic procedure in March. He substantiated his claims by sharing videos of himself post-procedure, showing his face visibly swollen and bruised. Dutra mentioned that a dermatologist was overseeing his condition at the time.
Gean Souza, a close friend of Dutra, shared details about the influencer’s final days. According to Souza, Dutra’s health deteriorated rapidly due to the infection, resulting in severe breathlessness. This led to his admission to a public hospital’s emergency room on the day of his death.
Before his death, Dutra had lodged an official complaint with the 15th Police District of São Paulo, calling for an investigation into Garbi. He accused the surgeon of several offenses, including illegal medical practice and causing serious bodily harm.
In response to these allegations, Garbi’s legal representative issued a statement on Instagram, categorically denying any involvement in Dutra’s death and dismissing the accusations as defamatory. The statement also affirmed their intention to take all necessary legal actions against those making unproven accusations.
Garbi himself spoke to Portal Leo Dias, reiterating that the infection Dutra experienced was not related to the cosmetic procedure he performed in March.
In a heartfelt interview with Brazilian magazine Quem, Souza remembered Dutra as a warm and ambitious individual. He spoke of Dutra’s unrealized dreams of travel and reuniting with family, expressing a strong desire for justice for his late friend.