Karen Silva dead: The Voice Kids star dies aged 17 after suffering major stroke

A former semi-finalist has tragically died from a stroke at the age of 17, a spokesperson has confirmed. Budding singer Karen Silva passed away at approximately 5am on Thursday (April 24) after spending several days in a hospital. She died from a haemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding in the brain by a ruptured blood vessel.

Karen became famous after she reached the semi-finals of The Voice Kids back in 2020. She was just 12 years old at the time. A statement on her Instagram account read: "*Note of sorrow*. It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the young singer Karen Silva, aged 17, occured after days of hospitalisation at São João Batista Hospital, in Volta Redonda, as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke.

"Karen enchanged Brazil with her powerful voice and striking presence even in childhood, when she participated in The Voice Kids in 2020. Since then, she had followed a luminous path, uniting talent, charisma, and representation in every step.

"More than an up-and-coming artist, Karen was a symbol of empowerment, especially for Black girls who found in her inspiration and strength to dream. Her music, her message, and her joy leave a deep mark on all who met her and followed her journey.

"In this moment of great pain, we send our solidarity to their parents, Manoella and Fernando, with friends, family, and fans. May the memory of your light continue to guide us."

On Monday, a statement was shared on her Instagram to announce that Karen was "facing a health problem". The post read: "Singer Karen Silva is facing a health problem and, at the moment, she is still under medical care, with the support and affection of her family and team.

"We ask for respect, empathy, and prayers as she recovers peacefully. Any updates will be made by our official channels. We thank everyone for the love." Karen passed away in Volta Redonda, northwest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as reported by NeedToKnow.

The musician began taking singing lessons when she was just eight so she could sing Oh Happy Day. Her first vocal coach, Lana Netto, said: "After just a few lessons, she sang the song and enchanted everyone with her strikign voice. From that day on, Karen never stopped singing and captivating people."

Karen is survived by her parents, Manoella and Fernando, and her boyfriend Marcelo. Fernando Sérgio da Silva told local media that his daughter had shown "no signs of illness" before her unexpected death.

He explained: "She left home to have lunch on Friday, and three hours later she was in a coma. For this year, 2025, we had big plans. For her, her clothing brand, new songs for her album. To know my daughter passed like this, it hurts so much. It still hasn't sunk in."

Karen's cousin Thais Silva recalled: "She was such an incredible girl, really perfect, you know? Funny, charismatic, spontaneous. Wherever she went, she won everyone over."