A tragic and baffling case has shocked Brazil after a young woman was found dead during a long-distance bus journey—her body mysteriously covered with 26 iPhones glued to her torso and legs.
The 20-year-old, traveling alone from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo, suddenly fell gravely ill on July 29 while the bus was making a scheduled stop in Paraná’s central region. Witnesses reported she suffered severe breathing difficulties, possibly triggered by a seizure, before collapsing into cardiac arrest.
Emergency responders rushed to her aid, performing CPR for a grueling 45 minutes, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
What followed was an unsettling discovery by authorities preparing her body for transport: dozens of packages secured tightly to her, including 26 iPhones. Further inspection of her luggage uncovered even more mobile phones along with bottles of alcohol, deepening the mystery surrounding her tragic death.
The case quickly sparked suspicions of smuggling. According to The Mirror, investigators believe the way the items were concealed strongly suggests the young woman was attempting to transport goods illegally.
Her body was sent to the Forensic Medical Institute for a thorough examination, while all seized items—including the 26 iPhones and other products—were handed over to federal authorities.
At this point, the exact cause of death remains unknown. Forensic reports are still pending, but early findings indicate she may have suffered a seizure that led to respiratory distress. Medical experts suspect her heart stopped after she was unable to breathe properly.
Interestingly, sniffer dogs found no trace of drugs on her or in her belongings, pointing toward a suspected smuggling operation focused solely on electronics and alcohol.
Speaking to Brazilian news outlet Globo, police said, “The Paraná Civil Police are actively investigating the case and awaiting forensic results to clarify the cause of death.”
They added, “According to preliminary information, the woman was traveling alone from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo. The 26 cell phones glued to her body have been seized and sent to the Federal Revenue Service.”
Foz do Iguaçu — located near Brazil’s borders with Paraguay and Argentina — is a notorious hotspot for the movement of goods, both legal and illegal. Its proximity to multiple international crossings makes it a key route for smuggling, especially of electronics like smartphones, which can fetch much higher prices in Brazil than in neighboring countries.
Tragically, what appears to be a smuggling attempt ended in a heartbreaking death. The physical toll of traveling with dozens of heavy items strapped to her body, combined with a possible medical emergency, may have contributed to her sudden collapse. Investigators are awaiting toxicology and autopsy results before drawing any firm conclusions.
For now, the young woman’s identity remains undisclosed as the investigation continues. The bizarre circumstances surrounding her death have captured nationwide attention — both for the mystery of how she died and the startling discovery that followed.