What is a pulmonary embolism? Elena Larrea’s cause of death

Elena Larrea, a well-known Mexican model and animal-rights activist, has died at the age of 31, it has been announced.

Larrea’s cause of death confirmed

Best known as the founder of the Cuacolandia horse sanctuary, Larrea passed away as a result of a pulmonary embolism, the sanctuary said in a statement confirming her death on Wednesday.

“With deep sorrow, we announce the death of Elena Larrea, president and founder of Cuacolandia, who sadly passed away yesterday, Tuesday 19 March 2024, at 3:30 p.m., due to a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot in her lung,” the statement read.

What is a pulmonary embolism?

According to Mayo Clinic, a major non-profit academic medical group, a pulmonary embolism is caused when a blood clot prevents the flow of blood to one or more of the arteries in the lungs. The clot most commonly forms in a deep vein in one of the sufferer’s legs, before travelling up to the lungs. Occasionally, it originates in another part of the body.

Common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting.

Larrea’s animal-rights efforts

Larrea, whose work as a model helped fund Cuacolandia, had established herself as a notable advocate for animal rights in Mexico.

Working with the Puebla Animal Movement (MAP), she successfully campaigned for bestiality to be classed as a felony in the central Mexican state.