Millena Brandão, a rising young actor known for her role in Netflix’s Brazilian hit Sintonia, has tragically died aged just 11.
The child star passed away on May 2 after reportedly suffering multiple cardiac arrests. Her death was announced in a heartbreaking Instagram post shared by her family on Sunday.
“On 02.05 we lost our baby girl, but I'm sure she's in the arms of our Almighty Father and in a beautiful place to play,” the post read.
"The memories we spent together will remain in my memory and I will never forget your joy that spreads to everyone around you," it continued. "My girl, I miss you not having you here and I know I will miss you even more in the days to come!"
"You were the light in our lives and I know that from up there you’ll continue to watch over us and light up our lives. And I’ll love you forever, and you’ll always be in my heart," the message concluded.
The post included an edited image of Millena depicted as an angel.
According to local Brazilian outlet G1, Brandão was rushed to multiple hospitals after suffering from severe headaches, a loss of appetite, and increasing drowsiness at the end of April.
Doctors initially suspected dengue fever, her mother Thays Brandão told the publication, but tests later ruled it out. They eventually diagnosed her with a urinary tract infection and sent her home with medication.
But just days later, on April 29, the young actor went into cardiac arrest for the first time. “Her lip turned purple. Then they resuscitated her and intubated her. From that day on, she never woke up again,” her mother said.
Brandão was taken from UPA Maria Antonieta to Granjaú General Hospital in São Paulo. But according to Thays, "There was no neurologist there. They only did a CT scan, and the doctors said they saw a 5-centimeter mass in her brain."
“But they don't know if this mass was a tumor, a cyst, an edema, a clot... because they couldn't open her head to see. And now that she died, they're going to do a biopsy to find out what was in her brain."
“The doctors still haven’t said what really happened to my daughter and what killed her,” she added. “It’s a question mark.”
In the days that followed, the situation deteriorated rapidly. “She got worse, with two to three cardiac arrests per day. She had 13 arrests in total. She had never had that before,” Thays said. “There was one day when she had seven respiratory arrests. Sometimes they gave her massages and other times they gave her shocks [with a device called a defibrillator].”
Three different hospitals were involved in Millena’s care, each of which has now issued statements on her passing.
The General Hospital of Pedreira and UPA Maria Antonieta both expressed “regrets” over her death and confirmed that investigations are being launched into her treatment.
Grajaú General Hospital, where Millena was officially confirmed brain dead, said in a statement: “Since her arrival, the patient received intensive care and the full commitment of the medical and assistance team, who spared no effort to preserve her life," cited by The Independent.
“The diagnosis was confirmed after strict compliance with the protocol established for these cases,” the hospital added. “The family was present at each stage of the care, being kept informed with respect, acceptance and all the support necessary in this moment of deep pain. We stand in solidarity with the family and reaffirm our commitment to providing dignified and humane care.”
Millena began her acting career in Brazilian soap operas like A infância de Romeu e Julieta and A Caverna Encantada before landing a role in Sintonia. She was also a child model.
Her tragic death has shocked fans across Brazil and beyond, with many taking to social media to send condolences to her family.
"May God welcome and comfort your heart," one user wrote, while another said: "My condolences to the entire family! May God comfort your hearts."
A third added: "Rest in peace Millena, may God strengthen and comfort the hearts of the entire family at this moment of pain."
Our thoughts are with Brandão's loved ones at this time.