Netflix Child Star Millena Brandão Dies at 11 After Mysterious Illness

São Paulo, Brazil – May 6, 2025: The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Millena Brandão, an 11-year-old Brazilian actress known for her role in the Netflix series Sintonia. She passed away on May 2 after a sudden and severe illness that remains unexplained.

A Sudden Decline in Health

Millena’s health began to decline on April 24, when she experienced severe headaches, leg pain, sleepiness, and appetite loss. Doctors first suspected dengue fever, a common virus in Brazil, but did not perform tests, instead giving her only basic medicine.

However, her condition got worse very quickly. On April 26, she could not walk. Then, on April 28, she fainted at home. A CT scan showed a 5-centimeter mass in her brain, but no neurologist was available to confirm what it was.

Multiple Cardiac Arrests

During her hospital stay, Millena faced 13 cardiac arrests and several breathing failures. Doctors tried their best, but her condition continued to weaken. Eventually, she was declared brain dead, and on May 2, her family made the painful decision to stop life support.

What Caused the Cardiac Arrests?

While the exact cause of her death is still unknown, experts believe the following could have played a role:

  • The brain mass might have increased pressure inside her skull, affecting the brain’s control over breathing and heart function.

  • Lack of neurological treatment delayed critical care.

  • The stress on her body could have led to organ failure, stopping her heart repeatedly.

A Mother’s Tribute

Millena’s mother, Thays Brandão, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, stating, “The memories we spent together will stay in my memory, and I’ll never forget your joy that infected everyone around you.” She added, “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 Brandão’s untimely death is a tragic reminder of life’s unpredictability. Her talent and spirit touched many, and she will be deeply missed.

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