A former Playboy model who once dated football star Raheem Sterling tragically passed away just days after returning to the United Kingdom from undergoing a Brazilian butt-lift, an inquest revealed.
Tabby Brown, 45, had travelled to the Dominican Republic in October of 2023 for a cosmetic procedure that included liposuction.
However, within three days of her return to the south London home she shared with her mother, she collapsed and later died due to a “fat embolism,” as reported by MailOnline.
Ms Brown, who enjoyed a high-profile career, went on a date with Sterling, the Arsenal and Chelsea player, in 2016 and had also been romantically linked to former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli five years earlier.
Her career spanned appearances in magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Elle, reality TV on The Bachelor, and starring roles in music videos.
The tragic incident unfolded when Ms Brown’s mother, Mahasin, discovered her unresponsive on the floor on October 13.
The inquest heard that she had two “puncture wounds” on her pelvis, confirming she had undergone recent surgery.
Expert cosmetic surgeon Oliver Harley explained to the inquest, “Tabby travelled to the Dominican Republic for a Brazilian Butt Lift. This is where fat is harvested from the torso by liposuction and injected into the buttocks to increase their size.
“The BBL is known to cause potential fat embolism and death, and Tabby died as a consequence.”
Ms Brown had reportedly been feeling weak before her collapse, according to her mother, who informed police that she had returned from a two-week trip to South America only days before the incident.
Coroner Julian Morris recorded a narrative verdict, stating that Ms Brown, who also observed Muslim traditions, had enjoyed a distinguished career and was cherished by many.
He added, “The postmortem concluded that Tabby’s cause of death was fat embolism caused by liposuction.
“Fat embolisms are a known and rare complication but can occur with this type of surgery.
“The expert concluded that liposuction caused her death as fat embolisms do not occur naturally.
“She was fit and healthy, visited the Dominican Republic for surgery, and on her return became unwell and collapsed. On balance, the operative procedure caused her death.”
In tribute to Ms. Brown, her family reflected on her vibrant life, stating, “Tabby had enjoyed a successful career as a model, having featured in music videos of several well-known British and American artists.
“She had a big laugh, smile, and a personality that charmed many and matched her beauty.
“Close family and close friends take solace from the fact that she experienced many years in which she lived out her dreams.
“But we are also saddened by her premature departure. We love and miss Tabby very much and will keep her memory close to our hearts.”
Brazilian butt-lifts, a form of buttock augmentation, involve transferring fat or fillers to enhance shape.
However, the procedure carries risks such as fat embolisms, deadly clots, infections, or sepsis if fat is injected too deeply.
Errors during anaesthesia or allergic reactions can also result in severe complications.
