A model has died after collapsing on a catwalk during a fashion show in Brazil.
Twenty-six-year-old Tales Soares reportedly stumbled as he was turning at the end of the stage, during the event at Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Local media have reported that he tripped on a strap from one of the sandals he was wearing.
Members of the packed-out audience at the Ocksa show initially thought Tales falling was part of a performance but he was then seen foaming at the mouth and emergency services rushed over.
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Paramedics attempted to revive Tales who was then rushed into hospital. He was later pronounced dead.
Tales - who also worked under the name Tales Cotta - was with Brazilian modelling agency Base MGT.
In a statement shared with news outlet Terra, a spokesperson from the agency said: "We emphasise that the model always had exemplary behaviour. He was not a newcomer; he has already paraded in other editions of both SPFW and other important fashion events.
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"Tales never presented or complained about health problems. He had a healthy diet (he was a vegetarian), did not use illegal substances and was in full condition to participate in the parade. And we ask for respect at this moment of deep sadness."
Terra goes on to say that concerns had been raised about the availability of vegetarian food at the event, meaning he may have gone a long time without eating.
But even organisers were quick to shut these claims down, saying there was vegetarian food on offer backstage.
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His cause of death is not yet known - a post mortem will be carried in due course.
On the official Instagram account of Sao Paulo Fashion Week, a statement read: "May God welcome you with open arms! Life is definitely a catwalk, we're just passing through! Very sad!"
Tales former agency and friend Faelo Ribeiro said he had died doing what he loved.
He added: "He has always been very engaged in social causes. He fought for the minorities and taught in a needy community."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: World News