Featured Image Credit: elenaypunto/Instagram
Topics: News, Instagram, Animals, Social Media
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: News, Instagram, Animals, Social Media
Mexican model, influencer and animal activist Elena Larrea has sadly died.
Elena boasted over 520,000 followers on Instagram and was known for founding Cuacolandi in 2017 - a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing horses, donkeys and other animals that had suffered animal cruelty.
The 31-year-old had a love of horses in particular.
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The sanctuary confirmed the news of her passing on Instagram yesterday (March 21).
The sad statement from the team read: "With deep sorrow, we inform you of the departure of Elena Larrea, president and founder of Cuacolandia, who, unfortunately, yesterday, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 3:30 pm, died due to a pulmonary thrombosis that caused a clot in the lung.
"We reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the entire Cuacolandia family as well as the Larrea family and close friends who fought tirelessly for animal rights.
"We thank you for all your love and dedication and wish you an eternal rest and peace."
They concluded the post: "She will be missed."
According to the Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung.
It's tragically one of the most common heart and blood vessel diseases in the world and affects around 1 in 1,000 people in the US each year.
It's reported that PE occurred after Elena went under the knife for liposuction a few days prior to her passing, but this has not been confirmed.
State governor Sergio Salomon has since penned a heartfelt tribute to Elena in the wake of her untimely passing, praising her for all she did for animals in need.
"I deeply regret the death of Elena Larrea, a tireless fighter for the defence of animal welfare," he said, as per The Mirror.
"The rescue of thousands of abused horses is testimony to her life and work. On behalf of the Puebla Government, we would like to express our solidarity to her family and friends. With the Ministry of the Environment, we can guarantee the protection of the animals at Cuacolandia.
"We will provide all the necessary help so other horses are cared for by the authorities as well as those already rescued, prioritising their wellbeing at all times. We will follow your example. Rest in peace, Elena."
Dozens of others have also paid tribute to the influencer, with many saying that she will live on through her animal activism and sanctuary.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.