Fourteen-year-old model 'dies after gruelling 12-hour fashion show in China'
Vlada Dzyuba was 'too afraid' to say she was feeling unwell
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teenage Russian model has died after a gruelling 12-hour fashion show in China.
Vlada Dzyuba, 14, collapsed just before walking out onto the catwalk in Shanghai, The Siberian Times reports.
She was found to be suffering from chronic meningitis “compounded by severe exhaustion” and remained in a coma for two days before she died.
Vlada collapsed after her temperature soared while waiting for her next appearance.
It is alleged the young model was too ‘scared’ to ask for medical help and was working well over her contract of a maximum three hours a week.
It is alleged she was unable to be taken to hospital for treatmeant because lacked medical insurance, despite being on a three-month contract with a prominent Chinese modelling agency.
It is not clear who is to blame for her not having medical insurance.
China is recruiting an increasing number of young models, often between 14 and 16, from Russia and especially Siberia to work at catwalk shows.
The topic was covered in a documentary Extreme Model Factory by presenter Reggie Yates in his 2015 Extreme Russia series.
Vlada's mother was unable to reach her daughter before she died as her last-minute via was not cleared in time.
Mrs Dzyuba told the television programme NTV: “She was calling me, saying 'Mama, I am so tired. I so much want to sleep.”
“I didn't sleep myself and was calling her constantly, begging her to go to hospital,” she added.
Vlada's family has contacted the Russian state to ask for help finding answers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments