‘The Voice Kids’ star Karen Silva dies at 17 after suffering major stroke

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL: Former 'The Voice Kids' star Karen Silva, who was one of the semi-finalists in 2020 at 12 years old, tragically died at 17 after experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke.

Silva's death was confirmed via a post shared on her official Instagram page on Thursday, April 24. The post announced that Silva died after she was hospitalized at Sao Joao Batista Hospital, in Volta Redonda, Brazil, after a hemorrhagic stroke, according to People.

Former ‘The Voice Kids’ star Karen Silva dies at 17

The Instagram post read, "*Note of sorrow* It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the young singer Karen Silva, aged 17, occurred after days of hospitalization at Sao Joao Batista Hospital, in Volta Redonda, as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke."

The post continued, "Karen enchanted Brazil with her powerful voice and striking presence even in childhood, when she participated in The Voice Kids in 2020. Since then, she has followed a luminous path, uniting talent, charisma, and representation at every step."

"More than an up-and-coming artist, Karen was a symbol of empowerment, especially for Black girls who found in her inspiration and strength to dream. Her music, her message and her joy leave a deep mark on all who met her and followed her journey," the Instagram post added.

The post concluded, "In this moment of great pain, we send our solidarity to their parents, Manoella and Fernando, with friends, family and fans. May the memory of your light continue to guide us."

Notably, on Monday, April 21, a statement was shared on her Instagram announcing that she was "facing a health problem".

The post read, "Singer Karen Silva is facing a health problem and, at the moment, she is still under medical care, with the support and affection of her family and team."

"We ask for respect, empathy, and prayers as she recovers peacefully. Any updates will be made by our official channels We thank everyone for the love," the post added.

Karen Silva's singing journey

Karen Silva started taking singing lessons when she was just eight years old so that she could sing Edward Hawkins' 'Oh Happy Day', according to Daily Mail.

The late singer's first vocal coach, Lana Netto, said, "After just a few lessons, she sang the song and enchanted everyone with her striking voice. From that day on, Karen never stopped singing and captivating people."

Notably, Silva is survived by her parents, Manoella and Fernando, and her boyfriend, Marcelo.

Her father told local media that his daughter had shown "no signs of illness". 

"She left home to have lunch on Friday, and three hours later she was in a coma. For this year, 2025, we had big plans. For her, her clothing brand, new songs for her album," he said.

He added, "To know my daughter passed like this, it hurts so much. It still hasn’t sunk in."

Moreover, her cousin Thais Silva recalled the singer and said, "She was such an incredible girl, really perfect, you know? Funny, charismatic, spontaneous. Wherever she went, she won everyone over."

Internet pays condolences to Karen Silva and her family

Several internet users paid condolences to Karen Silva after her tragic death at 17 following a stroke and brain bleed.

An Instagram comment read, "My God, go with God my friend. I'll never forget the moments of so much joy we lived! YOU ARE LIGHT KAREN! My condolences to the family and friends," while one added, "Such sad news, I wish the comfort of the father to all the family and friends."

A person also stated, "My condolences to all family and friends, I am devastated by this news! May God comfort the hearts of all of you, my heart is broken," whereas one mentioned, "Our hearts are broken with this news. A talented, inspiring little girl with a great voice! I'm speechless at this moment."

A user also wrote, "May God comfort the hearts of all the family, rest in peace," while one commented, "It's very hard to believe... May God comfort the family at this time!"

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