Ring lady discovered useless as tributes paid to star whose ‘mild won’t ever exit’

A glamorous personal trainer and MMA ring girl has been found dead in her home.

Tania Souza’s body was found at her residence in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 25th November, according to reports. Friends said she had left Manaus months earlier to seek new opportunities in Rio de Janeiro while continuing to work as a personal trainer and creator of fitness content.

They also said she had participated in several editions of the MMA event Mr Cage, where she became known for her stage presence as a ring girl.

A message shared by the team behind the Mr Cage events said: “I want to register here my eternal gratitude to Tânia Souza, a great friend who deeply marked our history. She was the first Ring Girl of our events, we believed in her and she believed in our work from the beginning and shone with her presence, beauty, joy and light.

“Tania, you are no longer with us, but you remain alive in every memory, in every photo, in every special moment we shared.

“Thank you for everything you have been for — for friendship, for strength, and for walking with us from the beginning.

“May GOD receive you with all his love, envelop you in eternal peace and illuminate your rest. The longing stays… but your light will never be extinguished. OUR FOREVER RING GIRL.

“Rest in peace, Tania. You will always be fondly remembered.”

Images available online show her behind the scenes of MMA events in the Amazon region, where she was presented as the “ring girl of Amazonia”.

Reports said she tried to expand her fitness career after moving to Rio de Janeiro, maintaining active social media profiles and seeking new work.

Friends said she was going through a difficult period and had reported symptoms of depression. The cause of death has not yet been released.

Tributes were paid to her on social media, with one comment announced: “My sympathy and my condolences to the family and friends of Tania Souza and hold in the hands of the Lord Jesus that he will comfort you.”

A devastated friend added: “My beautiful friend you are gone.” A third wrote: “My deepest sympathies! Tania was very sweet”