Chilean dancer found dead in Brazilian hotel

Silvia Gabriela Gatica Pérez, a 32-year-old Chilean dancer and teacher from Puente Alto, was found dead in her hotel room in Salvador de Bahía, Brazil. She had traveled to the country to participate in the FitDance CON 2026 convention.

Authorities discovered her body in the early hours of Friday, August 21, in a hotel located in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood. Preliminary investigations by the Civil Police of Bahia have found no immediate signs of violence in the room. Investigators are considering the possibility that Gatica Pérez, who reportedly suffered from epilepsy, may have experienced a medical crisis while alone.

Her colleagues and family noted that she was a dedicated professional and did not consume alcohol or drugs due to her medical treatments. While the investigation continues through security camera reviews and forensic analysis, her family is currently facing the significant financial challenge of raising funds to repatriate her remains to Chile.