Tales Soares Dead: 26-Year-Old Brazilian Model Collapses On Catwalk [Video]

A 26-year-old male Brazilian model died after collapsing on the catwalk at São Paulo Fashion Week, organizers said Sunday. Tales Soares fell when he turned to leave the runway during the Ocksa show.

“SPFW has just received the news of the death of model Tales Soares, who suddenly took ill during the Ocksa show,” the organization said in a statement. "We're sorry for their loss and send our deepest condolences to Tales' family," the statement said, adding they were providing "all necessary assistance at this sad time."

The audience initially thought it was part of the show but when Soares did not move for a few seconds, people rushed to the stage to his aid. The model — who also went by the name Tales Cotta — was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead. Authorities said they were awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

"Tales never presented or complained about health problems,” a tribute on Instagram by his agency, Base MGT, read. “He had a healthy diet (he was a vegetarian), did not use illegal substances and was in full condition to participate in the parade. And we ask for respect at this moment of deep sadness.”

Sao Paulo Fashion Week also posted a tribute on Instagram.

“May God welcome you with open arms! Life is definitely a catwalk, we’re just passing through!” it read.

Videos surfaced on Facebook and Twitter showing the moment when Soares collapsed.

While the cause of death was not known, doctors told the family that Soares could be killed by a congenital disease that wasn't diagnosed, according to local newspaper the Folha de Sao Paulo. Authorities were also reportedly planning further examination, including blood tests and a toxicology report.

The incident was classified by police as a "sudden death with no apparent determining cause" and as a "suspicious death to be clarified."

A funeral for the young model was planned in his home town of Manhuacu, Brazil, on Monday.