Family says Brazilian model who died on catwalk was healthy

RIO DE JANEIRO – Relatives of a model who died on the catwalk during Sao Paulo Fashion Week say the man was apparently healthy.

Officials say an autopsy will determine what killed Tales Soares, but Heloisa Cotta is denying rumours on social media that her 26 year-old son suffered health problems such as epilepsy or anorexia. His sister also says he didn’t use drugs.

Soares was walking down the catwalk when he lost balance and collapsed face down on Saturday. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cotta says he’s being interred Monday in his home state of Minas Gerais.