The social media world is in shock after the sudden death of 26-year-old Colombian influencer Estefanía Restrepo Valencia. Known to her thousands of followers as La Traviesta, Estefanía’s life ended violently in what her ex-boyfriend described as a highway robbery gone wrong. But her family isn’t buying that story.
A Night That Ended in Bloodshed
It was Friday, October 17, when Estefanía’s ex-boyfriend rushed her to the emergency room at Clínica Las Vegas in Medellín. Doctors reportedly found multiple stab wounds on her arm, neck, and shoulder. Within minutes, her injuries proved fatal.
“She didn’t deserve this. She was full of life,” one close friend told reporters through tears.
According to El Colombiano, Estefanía’s ex claimed that they had met up earlier that day to “talk things through.” The couple had dated for four years before splitting a week earlier over infidelity. The meeting, he said, was supposed to be a chance to reconnect. Instead, it turned into a nightmare.
The Ex-Boyfriend’s Story Raises Questions
The ex-boyfriend told police that a group of men on a motorcycle intercepted them on the Caldas bypass, a stretch of road south of Medellín. He claimed the attackers tried to rob them, stabbing Estefanía in the process before speeding away.
He then drove her to the hospital himself. But the details he gave police didn’t seem to add up.
Local outlets, including El Tiempo, reported that security cameras near the scene are being reviewed. Authorities hope the footage will reveal what really happened. Investigators have also questioned the ex-boyfriend and performed a detailed inspection of Estefanía’s injuries.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the Metropolitan Police of the Aburrá Valley has opened an active homicide investigation.
Family Doesn’t Believe the Robbery Story
Estefanía’s family has strongly disputed her ex-boyfriend’s version of events. They insist she would never have gone with him if she didn’t feel safe. Her relatives have demanded a deeper investigation and justice for her death.
“They said it was a robbery, but we know her. She was careful. Something about this doesn’t make sense,” a family member said in frustration.
Friends of the influencer also pointed to strange social media activity in the days before her death. Some said she appeared upset but didn’t share why. Others noticed she stopped posting as frequently. This was a red flag for someone who built her fame through daily interaction with her followers.
From Online Fame to Tragic End
Estefanía Restrepo Valencia wasn’t just another influencer. Over the past four years, she had grown a dedicated fan base. She had more than 216,000 followers on Facebook and 27,000 on TikTok. Her funny prank videos, often filmed with her ex-boyfriend, showed a playful, confident woman who loved entertaining people.
Her friends described her as “bubbly, fearless, and ambitious.” She dreamed of taking her content to the next level. She considered possibly expanding into television. Another ambition was launching her own fashion line.
Her last post was shared just days before her death. It showed her laughing on camera with the caption, “Life is too short not to smile.” Fans have since flooded the comments section with messages of heartbreak and disbelief.
Social Media Fans Mourn “La Traviesta”
As news of her death spread, followers across Colombia and Latin America filled her social media pages with emotional tributes.
“I still can’t believe you’re gone. You made us laugh every day,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Justice for Estefanía. She deserves the truth.”
Many fans have also begun using the hashtag #JusticiaParaLaTraviesta to demand answers about her death.
The comments reflect a growing sense of anger and sadness in Colombia’s influencer community. Violence and envy have increasingly intersected with online fame.
A Pattern of Tragedy Among Influencers
Estefanía’s killing came just weeks after another tragic loss in the influencer world. On September 26, Brazilian influencer Luanna Araújo and her fiancé, Korbinian Andreas Dengler, were killed in a horrific highway crash. The accident happened on Araújo’s 29th birthday when their car reportedly collided with two trucks at around 1:20 a.m. All three passengers in the car, including a friend named Herbson Nunes Negrão, died instantly.
Luanna’s final Instagram post was shared days before her death. It showed her posing in front of a mirror. She wore a black shirt, white skirt, and gold jewelry. Her caption read, “I love it!”
Fans later turned the post into a digital memorial, leaving messages of love and farewell.
Authorities Continue the Investigation
Back in Medellín, police continue to piece together what happened the night Estefanía died. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, phone records, and eyewitness accounts. So far, they have not confirmed whether the attack was truly a robbery or something more personal.
“We are analyzing all angles,” one officer told El Colombiano. “Nothing is ruled out.”
Local prosecutors are reportedly considering reopening past complaints between the influencer and her ex. They are searching for any history of threats or domestic violence.
Meanwhile, her family remains determined to get answers.
Who Was Estefanía Restrepo Valencia?
Born and raised in Colombia, Estefanía was known for her energy and humor. She entered the digital scene in her early twenties and quickly gained recognition for her sketches and pranks.
Her nickname, La Traviesta, reflected her mischievous personality. Fans adored her honesty and her willingness to laugh at herself. She represented the new generation of Latin American influencers who found fame through raw, relatable content.
The Internet Reacts
Since the news broke, social media platforms have been flooded with condolences and speculation. Many Colombians have called on the government to improve safety for women and online personalities who face increasing threats.
“Too many young influencers are dying,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We need protection for them. Fame shouldn’t cost your life.”
A Life Cut Short
Estefanía’s death leaves a void in the Latin influencer community and raises painful questions about violence in Colombia. Her story is a reminder that danger can lurk behind the scenes. Even those who seem to have it all can face such peril.
Her followers continue to post her favorite emojis—pink hearts and sparkles—under her old videos. In their messages, they remember the laughter she brought. They recall the energy she radiated. The dreams that will now remain unfinished are also remembered.
As one fan wrote, “She made us smile every day. Now, we’ll keep her smile alive in our hearts.”
