Social Media Influencer and Beloved Animal Activist Dead at 31 Due to Pulmonary Thrombosis

Elena Larrea founded the Cuacolandia equine rescue in Mexico in 2017 to rescue horses, donkeys and mules from abuse and abandonment

Elena Larrea. PHOTO: ELENA LARREA/INSTAGRAM

Social media influencer and animal activist Elena Larrea has died at the age of 31.

Larrea, who had more than 520K followers on Instagram, died on Tuesday due to pulmonary thrombosis, also known as a pulmonary embolism, which caused a blood clot to form in her lung. Her death was announced by Cuacolandia, a sanctuary for horses rescued from abuse and abandonment, which Larrea founded.

“With deep regret, we inform you of the departure of Elena Larrea, president and founder of Cuacolandia who unfortunately yesterday – Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. – died due to a pulmonary thrombosis that caused a clot in the lung,” the sanctuary’s Instagram post read in Spanish, translated by PEOPLE. “From Cuacolandia, we are very sorry for your loss.”

The statement continued, “We will remember and continue working for everything that was courageously promoted by this foundation. We will promote her legacy and love so that our horses, donkeys and mules live in freedom and in adequate conditions in Mexico and here, our sanctuary for horses rescued from abuse and abandonment.”

“We thank you for all your love and dedication, and wish you an eternal rest and peace,” the sanctuary concluded. “We’ll miss you.”

Elena Larrea.ELENA LARREA/INSTAGRAM

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body that travels to a lung artery where it suddenly blocks blood flow, according to John Hopkins Medicine.

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Larrea dedicated her life to protecting horses who were abused or suffered from neglect. She founded Cuacolandia in 2017, and later joined OnlyFans to raise money to help keep the sanctuary open, as reported by Mexican outlet El País.

Following the news of her death, several of Larrea’s friends took to social media to commemorate her.

Mexican actress Sylvia Pasquel wrote on Instagram, “You left a beautiful mark on everyone we met, you were an angel on earth for many… Your example and legacy will continue to inspire those of us who seek a better world for animals.”

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“Rest in Peace dear Elena.” she added in her caption. “May you find a lot of light on your ride to heaven.”

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Elena Larrea.ELENA LARREA/INSTAGRAM

Music artist Rich Vagos also shared a tribute to the star on Instagram alongside a photo of Larrea riding on a horse.

“From the Rich Vagos family, we want to express our deepest condolences on the death of our friend Elena Larrea,” Vagos shared. “He continued, [A] fighter, brave, strong, activist and irreverent as she described herself, she will be remembered for her passion and tireless work dedicated to the protection of animals.”

The governor of Puebla, Sergio Salomón, paid tribute to the activist, as well. “I deeply regret the death of Elena Larrea, a tireless fighter for the defense of animal welfare,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “The rescue of thousands of horses in conditions of abuse leaves testimony to her life and work. On behalf of the Government of Puebla we extend our solidarity hug to her family and friends.”

Salomón added that “through the Ministry of the Environment, we will guarantee the protection of the specimens found in Cuacolandia, derived from procedures of the Animal Welfare Institute.”

“Likewise, we will provide all the necessary help so that other horses are cared for by the authorities that rescued them as well as the rest of the horses, prioritizing their well-being at all time,” he continued. “We will follow your example. Rest in peace, Elena.”