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.
After Samsonova’s passing, her mother, Vera Samsonova, spoke to Russian media, expressing concern over her daughter’s extreme diet.
Speaking to LBC, she admitted: “She chose this path. I fought for many years, [but] she did not listen to her mother.”
She added that her daughter, who had once aspired to be a model, “refused to listen.”
Friends of the influencer also voiced their concerns about her strict vegan lifestyle in interviews with Russian news outlet 116.ru.
One friend told the outlet: “Ms. Samsonova’s relentless starvation was causing her to waste away before our eyes, yet she believed everything was fine.
“Only her merry eyes and gorgeous hair somewhat masked the dreadful sight of a body suffering from such self-inflicted harm. Forgive me if that sounds harsh.”
Another recalled: “I lived one floor above her, and every day I feared finding her lifeless body in the morning. I urged her to seek treatment, but she didn’t make it.”
Friends also claimed that Samsonova believed she didn’t need water, opting instead for fruit and vegetable juices.
She was also said to have developed a particular fondness for durian, the spiky fruit notorious for its strong odor.
Reflecting on her restrictive lifestyle, Samsonova once shared: “I see my body and mind transform every day. I love my new self and never return to the habits I once had.
“I eat simple food, even though I have extensive experience as a raw food chef. I love creating my own recipes and inspiring people to eat healthier.”
Samsonova passed away on July 21, 2023, in Malaysia. According to The Mirror, her mother attributed her death to a “cholera-like infection” made worse by “exhaustion of the body by a vegan diet.”
An official cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
While a vegan lifestyle offers many health benefits—such as a lower risk of diabetes and improved blood sugar levels—Healthline advises that those following a plant-based diet should consider supplements, a decision best discussed with a healthcare provider.
