11-year-old Netflix star dead after at least 12 cardiac arrests

Millena Brandão, an 11-year-old Brazilian actress and model, tragically passed away on May 2, 2025, following a series of medical emergencies that began with severe headaches and culminated in multiple cardiac arrests.

According to reports, Brandão began experiencing symptoms including leg pain, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and severe headaches. On April 29, she fainted at home and was rushed to the Maria Antonieta Urgent Care Facility. Initial assessments suggested a urinary tract infection, and she was treated accordingly. 

However, her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was transferred to Grajaú General Hospital in São Paulo, where she suffered multiple cardiac arrests—reports vary, citing between 12 and 21 episodes—before her death on May 2.

Doctors suspected dengue fever

Initially, medical professionals suspected dengue fever, a common and sometimes deadly mosquito-borne illness in Brazil, especially given the country’s significant outbreak in 2024, which resulted in over 5,000 deaths. However, further testing revealed that Millena had a five-centimeter brain tumor. 

According to the New York Post, her mother, Thays Brandão, expressed frustration over the lack of a definitive cause of death, stating, “The doctors still haven’t said what really happened to my daughter and what killed her.”  The combination of initial misdiagnosis and rapid health decline has led to public speculation and concern

Born in Brazil, Brandão began her career in the entertainment industry as a child model. Her natural talent and charisma quickly led to acting opportunities. She gained recognition for her role in the soap opera A Infância de Romeu e Julieta on SBT, where she captivated audiences with her performance. Additionally, she appeared in the Netflix series Sintonia, further showcasing her versatility and earning acclaim for her acting skills.

Brandão’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the broader public. Her mother shared heartfelt tributes on social media, reminiscing about her daughter’s infectious joy and the light she brought into their lives. 

The family also initiated a crowdfunding campaign to cover medical and associated expenses, which garnered significant support.

Brandão’s brief yet impactful career serves as a testament to her talent and the potential she possessed. Her performances in A Infância de Romeu e Julieta and Sintonia remain as enduring reminders of her abilities and the joy she brought to audiences.