Millena Brandão, an 11-year-old Brazilian actress and child model, has tragically passed away after suffering multiple cardiac arrests. The young star died on May 2, 2025, at the Grajaú General Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, just days after falling ill.
Brandão's mother, Thays Brandão, revealed that her daughter had been experiencing severe headaches, pain in her leg, drowsiness, and a loss of appetite since April 24, 2025. Initially, doctors suspected she might have dengue fever, but further tests later indicated a brain tumor. “The doctors still haven't said what really happened to my daughter and what killed her,” Thays told Brazilian news outlet G1.
On April 29, Millena had dinner at home before fainting in the bathroom. She was rushed to Maria Antonieta Urgent Care Facility, where her tests returned negative for COVID-19, H1N1, and dengue fever but showed she had a urinary tract infection. Millena was placed on medication, but her condition deteriorated rapidly.
According to reports, she suffered between 13 and 21 cardiac arrests between April 30 and May 1. “Her lip turned purple. Then they resuscitated her and intubated her. From that day on, she never woke up again,” Thays recalled, expressing concern over the medical care her daughter received. At the time, Millena was transferred to Granjaú General Hospital, where doctors discovered a 5-centimeter mass in her brain.
Millena Brandão began her acting career in October 2023, making her debut on the Brazilian television system SBT. She was known for her roles in the soap opera “The Childhood of Romeo and Juliet” and the Netflix series “Sintonia.” Her sudden illness and death have left fans and the entertainment community in shock.
On Friday, May 2, Thays shared the heartbreaking news of her daughter's passing with Millena's 196,000 Instagram followers. “The memories we spent together will remain in my memory and I’ll never forget your joy that was contagious to everyone around you,” she wrote. “My girl, I’m already missing you not being here and I know I’ll miss you even more in the days to come. You were the light in our lives and I know that from up there you’ll continue to watch over us and light up our lives.”
Millena's funeral took place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with crowds gathering to pay their respects. Tributes have poured in for the young actress, with many expressing their condolences on social media. One user commented, “Poor Milena Brandão,” while another wrote, “Rest in peace beautiful. We will miss you a lot seeing you always shining. Now you will shine in the sky.”
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Millena's death continues, her family is left grappling with the loss of a vibrant young talent who touched the lives of many. Thays Brandão has raised questions about the medical care provided to her daughter, recalling how a physician at Pedreira General Hospital initially diagnosed Millena with dengue fever without conducting adequate tests. “He told us to take her back home and give her dipyrone,” Thays said, expressing her frustration with the lack of thorough medical attention.
Millena's story has resonated deeply with those who knew her and those who followed her career. Her mother’s emotional posts on social media have highlighted the profound grief that comes with losing a child. “When a mother loses a child, we all feel it,” one fan wrote, encapsulating the collective heartache felt by many.
Millena Brandão's untimely passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, especially for a young talent with so much potential. Her legacy will live on through her work and the memories she created with her loved ones and fans alike.
