It’s been four months since South African model and actress Charlbi Dean’s shocking and sudden death, and now the cause of death has been revealed.
The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that the 21-year-old died of bacterial sepsis and “a complication from asplenia”, meaning the absence of a spleen. The sepsis was caused by the bacteria Capnocytophaga, which can exist in the mouths of humans, cats, and dogs.
Dean’s brother, Alex Jacobs, revealed to Rolling Stone that the young star began experiencing “mild” symptoms while staying with her partner, Luke Volker, in New York City. She asked Volker to take her to the hospital, where she died hours later.
“This happened literally within the span of a day: getting a headache, going to sleep, waking up, her boyfriend and saying please take me to the hospital,” Jacobs told the outlet.
Jacobs believes that the cause of the sepsis may have stemmed from a “very, very bad car accident” which left Dean with a broken back, broken ribs, and other ailments. As a result of the accident, her spleen was removed, which could have played a role in her inability to fight off the infection.
It’s a tragedy to lose someone so young and so loved, and Dean’s death is a reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks of bacterial infections and the importance of seeking medical help if we experience any symptoms.
Although the cause of Dean’s death is now known, it’s still a difficult time for her family and friends as they learn to cope with her loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
The cause of death for Charlbi Dean, the 32-year-old actress from ‘Triangle of Sadness,’ has been confirmed by a New York medical examiner. https://t.co/f6pvjcfvKh
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) December 22, 2022
