Colombian digital creator Adriana Manotas Rodriguez has died after reportedly undergoing a cosmetic treatment at an unlicensed beauty clinic in Bogotá.
Rodriguez, 52, passed away on July 10. Her death was announced a day later by her friend, Lorena Zuluaga Quintero, who paid tribute by sharing photos of the two of them together on Facebook.
The lifestyle content creator had built a following of more than 23,000 people on the social media platform.
Reports from local media outlets Blu Radio and Noticias Caracol stated that surveillance footage captured Rodriguez arriving at the clinic at about 6 a.m.
The footage allegedly later showed three people carrying her from the facility into a van before she was transported to a nearby health centre, where she was pronounced dead.
Authorities said Rodriguez had gone to the clinic for a liposuction procedure. Investigators, however, discovered that the facility was allegedly not registered as a licensed healthcare centre.
In response, Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán appealed to residents to report similar illegal operations.
“If you know of any illegal or clandestine aesthetic establishment, report it. These places cannot continue operating or claiming lives.”
On July 10, officials from Colombia’s Health Secretariat, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Police carried out a raid on the clinic, where they reportedly uncovered evidence indicating that unauthorised medical procedures had been taking place.
Authorities also disclosed that both the clinic and the doctor linked to it had already been sanctioned in November for operating without the required licences.
“These mandatory measures were intended to prevent risks to public health and remained in effect,” the Health Secretariat said.
“Despite this, they were violated by the continued carrying out of illegal activities at that location.”
Following news of her death, heartfelt messages flooded Rodriguez’s Facebook page, People reports: “You left an indelible mark on those of us whose paths crossed with yours in this life. Rest in peace, my beautiful Nana ✨️”
“Rest in peace. I will always remember you my friend.”
“May God receive you in his arms. I pray for a lot of strength for his family 🙏🙏🙏”
Rodriguez’s death has once again drawn attention to the risks posed by illegal cosmetic clinics in Colombia, as authorities continue stepping up efforts to crack down on unlicensed medical and aesthetic practices.
