Body of ‘Human Barbie’ influencer exhumed days after funeral to find out how she died

Bárbara Jankavski Marquez, known as the ‘Inhuman Doll’, was exhumed days after her funeral after prosecutors challenged a report that her death was caused by a heart attack

The remains of social media influencer Bárbara Jankavski Marquez, known as the “Human Barbie”, have been exhumed as part of an investigation into her death. This comes just days after she was laid to rest following her suspicious passing.

Prosecutors have questioned the initial finding that she died from a heart attack linked to cocaine use which had been determined by a coroner. They are now looking into a number of different possibilities, including the theory that she was strangled.

The 31 year old’s body was exhumed on Tuesday (February 3) after police were able to get a court order to conduct further forensic tests. Specifically, they are seeking to X-ray her neck to check for any broken bones.

On top of this, local authorities are looking to carry out DNA testing under her fingernails to determine if she attempted to defend herself before she passed away. It comes as her family continues to be left heartbroken following her sudden death, and are now desperate for answers as to how she met her end.

Bárbara’s lifeless body was discovered on 2 November last year at the home of lawyer Renato De Vitto in São Paulo, Brazil. Initially, investigators ruled her death as accidental, but prosecutors and Bárbara’s parents’ lawyers are now pushing for a more thorough investigation.

As part of their demands, Bárbara’s family are asking authorities to question two friends that were present around the time of her death. De Vitto, who claims he hired Bárbara as an escort, maintains that they both used cocaine and she fell asleep, never to wake up.

However, prosecutors are sceptical of his account and are seeking to determine if he played a more sinister role in her death. A final report is expected to be released in due course.

Bárbara was aged just 28 when she passed away, local media has reported. The official inquiry is scheduled for early March, although the advanced state of the body’s decomposition may present challenges to investigators.

The late social media personality, who called herself the “Inhuman Doll”, boasted hundreds of thousands of online followers. She also racked up millions of views as she documented her numerous cosmetic procedures on social media platforms.

Throughout the years, she reportedly spent over R$300,000 (£41,800) on at least 27 surgeries. These included liposuction on her neck, stomach, and legs; breast and buttock implants; eyebrow lifts; and five nose jobs aimed at achieving a slender, upturned appearance.

In addition to her social media presence, she made television appearances thanks to her bizarre appearance. She even starred in a 2024 Burger King advertising campaign in Brazil, propelling her to national fame.

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