Miss World Finalist Mariana Bridi da Costa Is Dead (Photos& Video)

Brazilian model and beauty queen contestant Mariana Bridi da Costa, 20, has died of complications resulting from a mysterious illness that developed in December. Her death was reported to have occurred on Saturday morning, January 24, 2009. She suffered a heart attack that was brought on by necrotic septicemia.

Mariana first sought treatment in December 2008 for what was believed to be kidney stones. Her condition deteriorated in January and doctors were forced to amputate her hands and feet in an attempt to stem the rapidly spreading infection that was causing the premature death of her cells and tissue.The Brazilian beauty was a finalist in her country’s stage of the Miss World competition. She also participated in the 2007 Miss Bikini International competition.

The Sun UK adds that "her boyfriend Thiago Simoes said 20-year-old Mariana fell ill on December 30 – but was initially misdiagnosed with kidney stones." The Herald report adds, "Bridi was diagnosed with a infection by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, which can often prove fatal. Septicemia set in in her limbs, cutting off circulation and forcing doctors to amputate."