KANGAR: Perlis police confirmed that the death of Russian social media influencer Zhanna Samsonova, also known as Zhanna D'art, 39, in the state on July 21 was due to health issues.
Perlis Police Chief, Datuk Surina Saad said that the demise of the Russian tourist had no element of foul play.
"The results of the post-mortem examination confirmed that the death of the Russian tourist was due to heart-related issues, and this case does not involve any criminal or abusive elements.
"Based on our investigation, she had arrived in Perlis a few days before but was taken to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital in Kangar for treatment after she complained of health problems," she said when contacted today.
However, she added that the victim decided not to continue her health monitoring at the hospital.
"Furthermore, she had also signed a release from the hospital to return to her home country.
"However, after leaving the Emergency Ward of HTF, the victim sat in the hospital waiting area before passing away," she explained.
Surina mentioned that as a result, the victim's body was then taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for further post-mortem procedures.
"Based on the autopsy conducted, the doctors confirmed that the victim had health issues involving her heart and it was discovered that she had pre-existing health problems.
"For this case, we classify it as sudden death or SDR, and we are collaborating with Interpol to locate her next of kin for the process of repatriating the victim's body to her home country," she added.
Zhanna or Zhanna D'art, who was known through her social media presence, particularly her Instagram account as the 'Raw Vegan Food Chef,' was an influencer based in Phuket, Thailand. She often promoted a raw and organic lifestyle, culinary practices, and raw vegan food through her tagline 'Raw Vegan Food New Level.' Her Instagram account has amassed 34,600 followers.
She also promoted Southeast Asian fruits that are rarely found in Europe, such as durian and cempedak.
She is believed to have arrived in Malaysia a few days before her unfortunate passing while on vacation.
Her death in Malaysia has garnered international media coverage in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Russia.