RIP Charlbi Dean: Brother reveals possible cause of death

The international film community is still reeling in shock following the untimely death of South African-born actress and model Charlbi Dean. According to TMZ, the 32-year-old Spud actress passed away on Monday 29 August in a New York hospital after an unexpected sudden illness.

The actress’s brother, Alex Jacobs, revealed that she may have passed away due to a viral infection in her lungs.

ALSO READ: Charlbi Dean: 5 things to know about the SA-born rising actress

CHARLBI DEAN’S BROTHER ON ACTRESSES’ DEATH 

Charlbi Dean passed away this week following an “unexpected sudden illness”. Her brother has since dismissed claims that her death was a result of the COVID-19 vaccine as has been rumoured.

Jacobs told Rolling Stone that Dean fell ill and asked her fiancé, model Luke Volker, to take her to the emergency room. She died within a matter of hours following her arrival at the hospital. 

“This happened literally within the span of a day: Getting a headache, going to sleep, waking up her fiancé and saying please take me to the hospital,” said Jacobs. 

“We still aren’t entirely sure [what happened]. There’s an autopsy being done with we know might take quite a while. But what we have heard is that there was a viral infection in her lungs.”

KIM ENGELBRECHT PAYS TRIBUTE TO CHARLBI DEAN 

In an Instagram post on 31 August, actress Kim Engelbrecht shared heartwarming words about Charlbi. Engelbrecht said the Triangle of Actress star was “fiercely hard-working, witty and oh so cool”. 

“You inspired us, Charlbi. Your most recent film achieved global acclaim yet you remained ever humble and unassuming about your successes,” wrote Engelbrecht. 

“Our South African gem. You lit up the world. My thoughts are with her friends and family and her beloved fiancé. Rest Easy, Princess.”

ALSO READ: ‘What sudden illness?’: Tweeps react to Charlbi Dean’s shock death

‘TRIANGLE OF SADNESS’

Triangle of Sadness marked Charlbi Dean’s final on-screen appearance before her death. The dark comedy, written and directed by Ruben Östlund, was awarded the Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. 

WATCH: ‘TRIANGLE OF SADNESS’ TRAILER