Zhanna Samsonova, a vegan raw food influencer, tragically passed away after years of following a strict raw fruit diet and practicing extreme fasting. Known for her social media presence as Zhanna D’Art, the 39-year-old Russian spent ten years living on a raw plant-based diet, consisting mainly of fruits, sprouted sunflower seeds, juices, and smoothies.

In addition to her diet, she often practiced “dry fasting,” where she went without food and water for extended periods. Samsonova passed away in Malaysia on July 21 after reportedly avoiding water for over six years, relying only on fruit and vegetable juices. Her extreme diet may have worsened an illness, which ultimately led to her death.

According to her mother, Vera, Samsonova’s health had declined over time, despite family efforts to encourage a more balanced diet. She had over 10,000 Instagram followers and spent much of her life traveling in Asia. However, she continued sharing “healthy” recipes and lifestyle tips on Instagram, even as her health deteriorated. Friends and family warned her against her extreme eating habits, but she chose not to listen.

Her social media posts revealed a malnourished appearance, with meals like melon, carrot juice, and simple dishes of avocado and tomatoes. Despite her declining health, Samsonova believed her raw plant-based diet kept her in perfect health. She often claimed that she hadn’t caught the usual seasonal cold in years.

In 2021, after returning to Russia, Samsonova contracted COVID-19. She ignored health precautions and treated herself with dry fasting for over ten days. She documented her illness and recovery on Instagram, where she claimed fasting helped her heal despite many criticizing her unconventional methods.

Samsonova’s death has raised awareness about the dangers of extreme dietary choices and fasting. Her journey highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and the potential risks of following restrictive diets without proper guidance.