RUSSIAN vegan influencer, Zhanna Samsonova, who is also known on social media as Zhanna D’art, 39, died in Perlis due to health issues, police said today.

It was previously reported that she had “died of starvation” while in Malaysia during her Southeast Asia tour.

Perlis police chief Surina Saad said there was no element of foul play in her death.

“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 was reported as saying in the New Straits Times today.

Surina said Samsonova 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 HTF emergency ward, the victim sat in the hospital waiting area before passing away,” she said.

The victim’s body was then taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star for further post-mortem procedures.

“Based on the autopsy conducted, doctors confirmed the victim had health issues involving her heart and it was found 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.

The 39-year-old had subsisted exclusively on a diet of exotic fruit while in Malaysia, according to her friends and family.

Samsonova reportedly died on July 21 after seeking medical treatment. – August 6, 2023.