Moscow: Yulia Burtseva, an Italian social media influencer with more than 73,000 followers on Instagram, died on January 4 after undergoing cosmetic surgery at a private clinic in Moscow.

According to Russian news outlet MSK1, her condition deteriorated shortly after the procedure, following which she was rushed to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Burtseva lived in Naples, Italy, with her husband Giuseppe and their young daughter, and regularly shared moments from her family life on social media. Her last Instagram post dates back to December 5, when she shared a video with her daughter. On the morning of her surgery, she reportedly posted a video from a Moscow café on Russian social media platform VK, captioned “Good morning Moscow”.

The Moscow Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case to examine potential negligence in connection with her death. Investigators confirmed that officials are working at the scene and have begun seizing medical and official records related to the surgery. Multiple forensic examinations, including a medical examination, have been ordered as part of the probe.

Following news of her death, tributes poured in from followers and well-wishers across social media platforms, with many expressing shock and condolences to her family. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released further details about the procedure or the clinic involved.