American artist found dead in São Paulo luxury hotel room

An American tourist, identified as Hilde Ann Lynn, 40, was found dead in a room at the Rosewood São Paulo, a luxury hotel in the central Bela Vista district, on Sunday evening. Civil Police are investigating the death as suspicious.

According to a police report obtained by G1, Lynn had been staying at the hotel since Wednesday. On Sunday afternoon, a man who identified himself as her plastic surgeon contacted the hotel reception after being unable to reach her by phone. He informed hotel management that Lynn had been in Brazil for approximately three weeks to undergo an aesthetic procedure.

The surgeon told authorities that Lynn used drugs and that he had taken her to an emergency care unit days earlier following a possible overdose. After failing to reach her by phone and doorbell, hotel staff decided to enter the room, where they found Lynn unresponsive on the bed. The Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) was called and confirmed her death.

The Rosewood São Paulo confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the hotel has cooperated with authorities responsible for the investigation since the discovery and provided requested information promptly. The hotel said it would not comment on additional details "out of respect for the guest's privacy, her family, and the work of the responsible authorities."

On social media, Lynn presented herself as Jerry Gogosian, discussing the art world and using memes to address achievements and challenges in the sector. According to a 2020 Sunday Times article, she had employed this strategy since 2018. Lynn identified herself as founder of companies Chapter 61, Hilde L.A., and Jerry Gogo, and as co-host of the podcast Art Smack. In a video published in November 2025, she stated that in 2005 she realized she was an artist and began investing in her career.