In what authorities are referring to as a mysterious incident, an American art socialite was discovered dead in Brazil during a trip to Sao Paulo for plastic surgery.
Globo reports that Hilde Lynn Helphenstein, 40, was found by her plastic surgeon at the Rosewood São Paulo on Sunday.
After saying they couldn’t get through to Helphenstein over the phone, the surgeon went to see how he was doing.
The publication reports that broken glass, prescription medications, and an empty vodka bottle were found inside the hotel room.
Local authorities have opened an inquiry after determining that the death was suspicious.
Helphenstein, the artist and creator of the well-known Instagram account Jerry Gogosian, had been in Brazil for almost three weeks.
With over 152,000 followers, the page frequently featured the artist making satirical remarks about the art world or her own life in the business.
In 2018, Helphenstein created the account anonymously before disclosing her name two years later. Even though she declared in June 2025 that she would be leaving the page, she continued to post as recently as this week.
On May 31, Hilde Lynn Helphenstein, 40, was found by her plastic surgeon at the Rosewood São Paulo.
In a statement, the Rosewood São Paulo confirmed Helphenstein’s passing.
In a Substack, the socialite invited readers to learn more about her life outside of the “art fairs, parties, and memes” she frequently shared.
In addition to celebrating five years of abstinence in the 2024 Substack, Helphenstein claimed to have survived Typhus Rickettsia, a potentially fatal bacterial illness that kept her bedridden for a year.
According to Art Review, she also wrote a newsletter, co-hosted the podcast Art Smack, and intended to launch a television program.
In a statement obtained by Globo, the hotel claimed, “Rosewood São Paulo confirms that the guest Hilde Ann Lynn was found dead on the afternoon of Sunday, May 31.”
“Since the incident was observed, the hotel has fully cooperated with the relevant authorities, promptly supplying all the information needed to aid in the investigation of the facts.”
“The hotel will not comment on further details at this time in order to respect the privacy of the guest, their family, and the work of the responsible authorities.”
Helphenstein resided in Coral Springs, Florida, according to public records.
