In a heartbreaking turn of events, Zhanna Samsonova, a 39-year-old influencer with millions of followers on social media, passed away on July 21 while seeking medical treatment during her tour in South East Asia.
The official cause of her death has not been declared, but her mother stated that Zhanna succumbed to a "cholera-like infection." The family is eagerly awaiting the final medical reports and certificate that will shed light on the precise cause of her untimely passing.
Zhanna had been a staunch advocate of an entirely raw vegan diet for at least four years, sustaining herself on a diet comprising only of fruits, sunflower seed sprouts, fruit smoothies, and juices. However, friends revealed that for the last seven years, she had solely relied on jackfruit and the tropical fruit durian, infamous for its strong aroma.
Distressed friends pointed out that the potential consequences of such a restrictive diet were evident, with one stating, "You don't need to be a doctor to understand where this will lead."
A few months before her passing, during her time in Sri Lanka, Zhanna's health had shown signs of distress, with swollen legs oozing lymph. Despite being sent back home to seek treatment, she was unable to recover.
Through her social media presence, Zhanna enthusiastically shared her raw diet journey, emphasizing her passion for creating recipes and inspiring others to embrace healthier eating habits.
In her last Instagram post, seven weeks prior to her demise, she expressed her excitement about the beginning of the durian season in Thailand, inviting fellow durian lovers to revel in the delectable fruit.
As the world mourns the loss of this vibrant influencer, questions linger about the potential impacts of extreme dietary practices. Zhanna's dedication to promoting healthier eating serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and informed choices in matters of nutrition and well-being.
