Vegan influencer Zhanna Samsonova has tragically died aged 39.
The content creator went by the name Zhanna D’Art and became known for being dedicated to a plant-based lifestyle.
Originally from Moscow, Russia, she spent 17 years traveling Asia while blogging and practicing yoga.
Zhanna Samsonova
The vegan influencer followed a strict diet which she documented on social media. Credit: @rawveganfoodchef/Instagram
Following Samsonova’s passing, her mother, Vera Samsonova, spoke with Russian media and voiced her concerns about her daughter’s extreme diet.
She said (via LBC): “She chose this path. I fought for many years [but] she did not listen to her mother.”
Samsonova’s mother added that her daughter, once an aspiring model, ‘refused to listen.’
The influencer’s friends, interviewed by Russian news outlet 116.ru, also shared concerns over Samsonova’s veganism lifestyle.
Zhanna Samsonova
Zhanna Samsonova’s mother and friends shared their concerns for the 39-year-old. Credit: @rawveganfoodchef/Instagram
One told the outlet: “Ms. Samsonova’s idle starvation was causing her to melt before our eyes, but she believed everything was fine.
“Only her eyes, merry eyes, and gorgeous hair compensated for the dreadful sight of a body tortured by idiocy. Forgive me if it sounds harsh.”
Another claimed: “I lived one floor above her and every day I feared finding her lifeless body in the morning. I convinced her to seek treatment, but she didn’t make it.”
Friends also claimed Samsonova said she didn’t ‘require’ water, instead drinking fruit and vegetable juice.
She is also said to have become a fan of durian, a spiky fruit known for its pungent smell.
Zhanna Samsonova
The influencer’s mother reportedly attributed her passing to a ‘cholera-like infection’ worsened by ‘exhaustion of the body by a vegan diet.’ Credit: @rawveganfoodchef/Instagram
Describing her restrictive routine, Samsonova once said: “I see my body and mind transform every day. I love my new me, and never move on to the habits that I used to use.
“I eat simple food, although I have a lot of experience as a raw food chef. I love creating my own recipes and inspiring people to eat healthier.”
Samsonova died on July 21, 2023, in Malaysia. Her mother attributes her passing to a ‘cholera-like infection’ exacerbated by ‘exhaustion of the body by a vegan diet,’ reports The Mirror.
An official cause of death hasn’t been made public.
Healthline says the vegan lifestyle has many benefits, from a lower risk of diabetes to low blood sugar levels. However, those who follow a plant-based diet should consider taking supplements, a plan that can be discussed with your healthcare provider.