Elena Larrea, a social media personality and animal rights activist, has tragically died after suffering complications during a plastic surgery procedure. She was 30 years old.

The devastating news was confirmed in a social media statement from her company, Cuacolandia, which is a sanctuary in Puebla, Mexico, that rescues horses, donkeys and other animals in abusive situations.

On Wednesday, March 20, members of the organization took to Instagram to memorialize the star and share details about her untimely passing.

The announcement, which the sanctuary said was made with “deep sorrow,” revealed she died on Tuesday, March 19, due to a pulmonary embolism that caused a blood clot during a surgical procedure. According to The Mirror, the influencer was undergoing liposuction surgery when something went terribly wrong.

“We will remember and continue to work for all that he bravely pushed from this foundation,” a translation of the statement from Cuacolandia read. “We will promote their legacy and love so that our cuckoos, donkeys and mules live in freedom and in appropriate conditions in Mexico and in this, our sanctuary of equines rescued from abuse and abandonment.”

“We reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the entire Cuacolandia family as well as the Larrea family and close friends who fought tirelessly for animal rights,” they continued. “We thank you for all your love and dedication and wish you an eternal rest and peace. She will be missed. 💖🐴”

Music artist Rich Vagos, who appears to have been close with the late influencer, also shared a tribute on social media.

“From the Rich Vagos family, we want to express our deepest condolences on the death of our friend Elena Larrea,” read the Instagram post, which also featured a photo of the social media personality sitting on one of her horses.

Describing her as a “fighter, fierce, strong, activist and irreverent as she describes herself,” Vagos’ post continued, “she will be remembered for her passion and her tireless work dedicated to the protection of animals.”

“Her persona and the hue of her trajectory will endure and she will remain in the hearts of her followers, her loved ones and her family, to whom we send strength and a prompt resignation,” he shared before concluding, “May you rest in peace.”

Larrea dedicated her life to protecting horses who were abused or suffered from neglect. She founded Cuacolandia in 2017, and later joined OnlyFans to raise money to help keep the sanctuary open, as reported by Mexican outlet El País.

Following the news of her death, several of Larrea’s friends took to social media to commemorate her.

Mexican actress Sylvia Pasquel wrote on Instagram, “You left a beautiful mark on everyone we met, you were an angel on earth for many… Your example and legacy will continue to inspire those of us who seek a better world for animals.”
“Rest in Peace dear Elena.” she added in her caption. “May you find a lot of light on your ride to heaven.”

The governor of Puebla, Sergio Salomón, paid tribute to the activist, as well. “I deeply regret the death of Elena Larrea, a tireless fighter for the defense of animal welfare,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “The rescue of thousands of horses in conditions of abuse leaves testimony to her life and work. On behalf of the Government of Puebla we extend our solidarity hug to her family and friends.”

Salomón added that “through the Ministry of the Environment, we will guarantee the protection of the specimens found in Cuacolandia, derived from procedures of the Animal Welfare Institute.”

“Likewise, we will provide all the necessary help so that other horses are cared for by the authorities that rescued them as well as the rest of the horses, prioritizing their well-being at all time,” he continued. “We will follow your example. Rest in peace, Elena.”