Vegan influencer Zhanna Samsonova, widely recognized as Zhanna D’Art on social media, has tragically died at the age of 39. The content creator was known for her dedication to a strict raw vegan diet, which she frequently documented for her online followers. Originally from Moscow, Russia, she spent nearly two decades traveling across Asia, embracing wellness practices like yoga while sharing her lifestyle choices with a global audience.
Samsonova’s commitment to the vegan lifestyle extended beyond a personal choice; she became a prominent advocate, inspiring many with her plant-based diet and health philosophies. Her social media was filled with content promoting raw fruits, vegetables, and juices, emphasizing their transformative impact on both physical health and mental clarity. However, concerns surrounding her extreme dietary habits grew among those close to her.
In the wake of her tragic passing, her mother, Vera Samsonova, spoke out in Russian media, expressing long-held fears over her daughter’s extreme eating habits. Vera disclosed the difficulties she faced in trying to convince Zhanna to reconsider her restrictive regimen, saying, “She chose this path. I fought for many years [but] she did not listen to her mother.” Vera described how her daughter, once an aspiring model, became increasingly resistant to advice, even from family, regarding the risks her diet could pose.
Friends of the influencer also raised concerns, particularly about the toll the diet appeared to take on her health in recent months. A close acquaintance interviewed by the Russian news outlet 116.ru remarked: “Ms. Samsonova’s idle starvation was causing her to melt before our eyes, but she believed everything was fine. Only her sparkling eyes and luxurious hair compensated for the distressing sight of a body visibly suffering from extreme choices. Forgive me if it sounds harsh.”
Another friend, who lived in the same building, revealed: “I lived one floor above her and feared every morning that I might find her lifeless body. I pleaded with her to seek medical intervention, but she refused.”
Samsonova was reportedly so devoted to her diet that she avoided even drinking plain water, instead opting for fruit and vegetable juices to hydrate. She also became an avid consumer of durian, a tropical fruit notorious for its strong odor but rich in nutrients. Her eating patterns reportedly became progressively stricter in the months leading to her death.
Zhanna had previously described her diet as transformative and empowering, sharing how it positively affected her body and mind. She once stated: “I see my body and mind transform every day. I love my new me, and I will never return to the habits I used to have. I eat simple food, although I have a lot of experience as a raw food chef. I love creating my own recipes and inspiring people to eat healthier.”
However, reports indicate that Samsonova died on July 21, 2023, while in Malaysia. Her mother has attributed the cause of her death to a severe ‘cholera-like infection’ exacerbated by the extreme nutritional depletion caused by her vegan diet. The official cause of death has yet to be publicly confirmed.
While a vegan lifestyle has been widely associated with numerous health benefits such as improved heart health, lower blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, experts caution that it requires careful planning. Healthline emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition, including essential supplements like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can often be lacking in strict vegan diets. Consulting healthcare professionals when making drastic dietary changes is always advised.
Samsonova’s tragic passing has sparked conversations around the importance of balance and informed decision-making within the wellness community. While plant-based diets can be profoundly beneficial, extreme forms of restriction may carry risks when essential nutrients are not adequately replaced.