AN INFLUENCER has died on the operating table after being given a general anaesthetic for a huge back tattoo.

Ricardo Godoi, 45, went into cardiac arrest at a private hospital during the tattoo session – with doctors unable to revive him.

The Brazilian influencer employed a tattoo studio who said they hired a private hospital with all the equipment, staff and drugs necessary to help give him the massive inking.

Ricardo told his 218,000 Instagram followers in a message shortly before the tragedy: “I’m about to undergo a surgical procedure and will only be back here after 4pm.”

A police investigation was ongoing today as officials look into the tragedy.

He died on Monday in the coastal town of Itapema in Brazil’s southern Santa Catarina state.

The owner of the tattoo studio which was going to ink Ricardo said: “What happened was that, at the beginning of the sedation and intubation, he went into cardiac arrest.

“That occurred before they even started tattooing him.

“He was quickly checked and a cardiologist was called in to try to revive him, unfortunately without success.”

A message posted on Ricardo’s Instagram yesterday said: “It is with great regret that we inform you about the death of Ricardo Godoi yesterday at midday.

“At this painful moment, we show solidarity with his friends and family, wishing them strength and comfort to overcome this unbearable loss.

“Let Ricardo’s memory be remembered with affection and respect by those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Another touching tribute read: “Today we say goodbye to Ricardo Godoi, an incredible person who left his mark on the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“His joy, generosity and light will remain present in our memories and in every story he helped to build. May he rest in peace.”

The influencer had built up a successful business selling luxury sports cars including Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

The tattoo studio hired by Ricardo said in a full statement: “Ricardo was going to have a full back tattoo done with us under general anaesthetic, sedation and intubation.

“To do this, we hired a private hospital with all the staff, equipment and anaesthetic drugs necessary for the safety of the procedure.

“We also hired a doctor with a specialism in anaesthesiology and experience in intubation, whose documentation was approved by the hospital.

“Blood tests were requested beforehand, which showed no explicit risk in carrying out the procedure. Ricardo signed the consent form regarding the risk of the procedure.”

The hospital where he died has been named locally as Dia Revitalite Hospital.

Speaking ahead of his funeral friend Eduardo Razuk said: “I spoke to him in the morning. Unbelievable, none of us expected that.

“He’s already in my prayers, Godoi was certainly an enlightened person.”

Another said: “An incredible person. He treated people so well, always with enthusiasm. Rest in peace. You helped a lot of people fulfil their dreams.”