Social Media Influencer Dies at 45 After Going Under General Anesthesia for Back Tattoo

A tattoo artist gun in action, in a file photo. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

A Brazilian sports car influencer has died after going under general anesthesia for an extensive full-back tattoo procedure.

Ricardo Godoi, widely known for his Instagram presence, went into cardiac arrest on Jan. 20 while undergoing the large inking, according to his official Instagram account. He was 45.

“Today we say goodbye to Ricardo Godoi, an incredible person who left his mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him,” reads the post, originally in Portuguese.

“His joy, generosity, and light will remain present in our memories and in every story he helped to build.

“In this moment of pain, we sympathize with family and friends, wishing strength and comfort to go through this irreparable loss ... may he rest in peace. Our condolences to his family and friends.”

The tattoo studio behind the procedure reportedly hired a private hospital in the Santa Catarina state of Brazil, with Godoi telling his more than 200,000 followers about the session prior to the tragedy.

“I’m about to undergo a surgical procedure and will only be back here after 4 p.m.,” he wrote.

The social media star was on the operating table at the time of his death, and it was during the sedation and intubation process that he suddenly went into cardiac arrest.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, and further information on his funeral proceedings will soon be announced.

Godoi is survived by his wife and children.

The content creator served as the CEO of his own company, Godoi Premium Group, and built his following by posting and selling luxury vehicles, such as Lamborghini and Ferrari, online.

The estimated risk of dying from anesthesia is about 1 in 10,000, and according to the National Institutes of Health, medical malpractice or underlying factors such as illnesses are typically what contribute to those statistics.

Tattoos typically do not require anesthesia, which is usually only considered for individuals who have extreme pain sensitivity, have a fear of needles, or want to decrease session times for lengthy tattoo procedures.