Overview
- Investigators say a forensic analysis, cited by Brazilian outlet Metrópoles, found she suffered a stroke while drowning, with lack of oxygen and water in the lungs causing fatal brain damage.
- Rio de Janeiro Civil Police are reviewing CCTV and taking statements to map her last movements at Leblon Beach and to understand how the situation went unnoticed for so long.
- Santos entered the water after spending time with friends at a beachfront kiosk, and her family says those friends left without calling for help when she did not return.
- Relatives identified her body after it washed ashore near Botafogo Beach, and she was later buried in Rio’s north zone.
- The case has drawn wide attention because she was known as a strong swimmer and the beach was crowded, raising questions that could prompt closer guidance on when and how bystanders should alert rescuers.