Influencer dies on operating table after being given general anesthesia for back tattoo

An influencer has died on the operating table as he was preparing to get a new back tattoo.

Ricardo Godoi, from Brazil, went into cardiac arrest on Monday (January 20) in the hospital where he'd booked in for general anaesthetic to help him get a huge tattoo covering his back.

The social media star had hired a tattoo studio which had reportedly turned to the help of a private hospital with the appropriate equipment, medics and drugs required to help with the task at hand, reports The Sun.

Ricardo Godoi was just 45 when he died from complications with his surgery (Instagram/@ricardo.godoi.official)

The 45-year-old announced to his 218,000 Instagram followers just before his appointment: "I’m about to undergo a surgical procedure and will only be back here after 4pm."

Tragically, however, the procedure quickly became fatal and the influencer's death was confirmed around noon the same day in the Dia Revitalite Hospital in Itapema, Santa Catarina, where medics failed to revive him.

The owner of the tattoo studio said: "What happened was that, at the beginning of the sedation and intubation, he went into cardiac arrest. That occurred before they even started tattooing him.

"He was quickly checked and a cardiologist was called in to try to revive him, unfortunately without success."

The notice confirmed his death (Instagram/@ricardo.godoi.official)

The company said Ricardo was going to have a 'full back tattoo' under general anaesthetic and had hired a private hospital to cover the medical side of the job.

The statement added: "We also hired a doctor with a specialism in anaesthesiology and experience in intubation, whose documentation was approved by the hospital.

"Blood tests were requested beforehand, which showed no explicit risk in carrying out the procedure. Ricardo signed the consent form regarding the risk of the procedure."

A police investigation into his death has since been launched as local news reports claim officers are examining if there were any errors in the administration of anaesthesia or any medical negligence at play.

Dia Revitalite Hospital (Google Maps)

Ricardo's family also reportedly claim he was fit and healthy and had avoided anabolic steroids for five months before the procedure.

An update on his social media page further confirmed the tragedy.

The statement read: "It is with great regret that we inform you about the death of Ricardo Godoi yesterday at midday. At this painful moment, we show solidarity with his friends and family, wishing them strength and comfort to overcome this unbearable loss.

"Let Ricardo’s memory be remembered with affection and respect by those who had the privilege of knowing him."

He had wanted a huge back tattoo (Instagram/@ricardo.godoi.official)

The star - who shot to social media fame and had built up a lucrative business, importing and selling luxury sports cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis - leaves behind a wife and children.

Tributes have since been flooding in for Ricardo, with many commenting that he was an 'incredible guy' and a 'giant brother' and an inspiration to the younger generation.

"I can't believe it, my God. I became friends with him seven months ago and it seemed like he had been my friend for 30 years", one comment read.

And another added: "I can't believe it... Godoi was purity," another said.