The Voice Kids star Karen Silva dead aged 17: Semi-finalist tragically passes away from stroke

Published on: April 25, 2025

By WILLIAM MCGEE

Published: 12:49 BST, 25 April 2025 | Updated: 12:50 BST, 25 April 2025

A former The Voice Kids star has tragically died from a stroke aged 17.

Karen Silva passed away at around 5am on Thursday , after spending several days in hospital.

She died from a haemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding into the brain by the rupture of a blood vessel.

Karen became famous after reaching the semi-finals of The Voice Kids in 2020. She was just 12 at the time.

Her spokesperson said: ‘More than just a promising artist, Karen was a symbol of empowerment.

The Voice Kids semi-finalist Karen Silva has died aged 17 after suffering a stroke

‘Especially for young black girls who found in her an inspiration and the strength to dream.

‘Her music, her message, and her joy leave a lasting mark on all who knew her and followed her journey.’

Karen passed away in Volta Redonda, northwest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as reported by NeedToKnow.

Karen began taking singing lessons when she was just eight so she could sing Oh Happy Day.

Her first vocal coach, Lana Netto, said: ‘After just a few lessons, she sang the song and enchanted everyone with her striking voice.

‘From that day on, Karen never stopped singing and captivating people.’

Karen is survived by her parents, Manoella and Fernando, and her boyfriend, Marcelo.

Fernando Sérgio da Silva told local media that his daughter had shown ‘no signs of illness.’

He said: ‘She left home to have lunch on Friday, and three hours later she was in a coma.

‘For this year, 2025, we had big plans. For her, her clothing brand, new songs for her album.

‘To know my daughter passed like this, it hurts so much. It still hasn’t sunk in.’

Karen’s cousin Thais Silva recalled: ‘She was such an incredible girl, really perfect, you know?

‘Funny, charismatic, spontaneous. Wherever she went, she won everyone over.’