Brazilian fashion influencer Adair Mendes Dutra Junior, widely known as Junior Dutra, passed away on Oct. 3 at the age of 31. His death follows allegations he made regarding complications from a cosmetic procedure performed by celebrity surgeon Fernando Garbi.
Junior, spoke out in September during an interview with Brazilian news network Feed TV. He claimed he suffered an infection after undergoing a cosmetic procedure on his face in March. To corroborate his claims, he shared videos showing himself post-procedure with his face appearing swollen and bruised. Junior said that at the time, a dermatologist was monitoring his condition.
Close friend Gean Souza in an interview, recounted Junior’s final days, the influencer became gravely ill after dealing with the infection, which led to severe shortness of breath and his admission to a public hospital’s emergency room on the day of his death
Prior to his passing, Junior had filed an official request with the 15th Police District of São Paulo for an investigation into Garbi. He accused the surgeon of multiple offenses, including illegal medical practice and serious bodily harm.
In response, Garbi’s legal representative posted a statement on his Instagram, vehemently denying any responsibility for Junior’s death and dismissing the allegations as slanderous. The statement pledged to pursue all necessary legal actions against those making accusations without proof.
Garbi himself reiterated to Portal Leo Dias that the infection Junior experienced was not related to the cosmetic procedure conducted in March.
In an interview with Brazilian magazine Quem, Souza remembered Junior fondly as a person of warmth and ambition. Recalling Junior’s unfulfilled dreams of travel and reconnecting with family, Souza expressed the desire for justice on behalf of his late friend.