A MALE model who died after collapsing on the catwalk during Sao Paulo's Fashion Week may have had an undiagnosed congenital illness, doctors said.

Tales Soares, 26, was attended to by paramedics in front of horrified onlookers after being taken ill during a show for fashion brand Ocksa yesterday evening.

7 Tales Soares has died after collapsing on the catwalk during Sao Paulo Fashion Week Credit: AP:Associated Press

7 The model was rushed to hospital but later died Credit: Instagram

Many initially thought his fall was part of the performance but the devastating realisation dawned on the crowd when paramedics rushed to the stage.

Tales Soares was whisked to Accident and Emergency in Brazil but sadly couldn't be saved and was later pronounced dead, show organisers said.

Footage showed him turning around as he approached the top of the catwalk before he appeared to stagger and fall face-first to the ground.

According to Folha Press, Tales reportedly tripped on his shoelace before he fell and was later seen foaming at the mouth.

This has been a shocking series of events that we’re trying hard to piece together. But everything happened so suddenly and unexpectedly Rogério Campaneli

Initially, there were suspicions he had suffered an epileptic fit due to the way he fell and the appearance of foam at the mouth.

The model’s agent, Rogério Campaneli, from MGT Base agency said to FocusOn News: “This has been a shocking series of events that we’re trying hard to piece together. But everything happened so suddenly and unexpectedly.

“Doctors suspect that Tales might have had a congenital problem. From videos, they believe he died on the catwalk.

“It was all so fast: he kissed a friend behind the scenes who was following him, walked out confidently as usual, then suddenly stumbled, lost his footing and fell.”

Gabrielle Gomes, Tales' sister, said to Brazilian media, G1 she was unaware of any health problems.

Her brother had regular health check-ups and had no history of epileptic fits or fainting spells.

She said: “Me and my mother (Heloisa) spoke to Tales by video call before the parade and he said he was well and said he had just finished eating a carrot.

“We’re very scared and devastated by what happened. He was very healthy, ate healthily and exercised every day. He did cross fit and yoga.”

FAMILY WATCHING

His family, who live in Manhuaçu, in Minas Gerais state, some 500 miles from Sao Paulo, were watching the live broadcast of the parade, when they noticed that Tales hadn’t returned to the catwalk.

Shortly afterwards the transmission was cut off.

A still traumatised Gabrielle said: "My mother called to find out what was going on, they said that Tales had been taken ill and hospitalised and shortly after, the organisation called again and said he had died.”

The cause of death is being investigated and the family are hoping the autopsy report will reveal what triggered the tragedy.

FASHION WEEK SHOCK

A statement by Sao Paulo Fashion Week organisers read: "SPFW has just received the news of the death of model Tales Soares, who suddenly took ill during the Ocksa show."

The organisers wrote on Instagram: "May God welcome you with open arms! Life is definitely a catwalk, we're just passing through! Very sad!"

Ocksa said on Instagram they were "shocked" by the model's death but it has not yet been confirmed how he died.

"The whole team of Ocksa deeply regrets and is appalled by the news of the death of the model Tales Cotta.

“Our sincere condolences go to the Tales family and to the friends of MGT Base Agency. We ask our friends to send prayers and good energies in this moment of extreme pain.”

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In a statement MGT Base Agency lamented the death of their fashion model and clarified: “(Tales) has paraded in other editions of the SPFW and other important fashion events.

“We emphasise that Tales never presented or complained about health problems. He had a healthy diet (he was a vegetarian), did not use illicit substances and was considered in full healthy condition to participate in the parade.

“We await the medical report and we ask for respect at that moment of deep sadness. He will be forever in our hearts and memory.”

7 Tales Soares was walking for fashion brand Ocksa Credit: Splash News

7 Paramedics attend to Tales Soares on the catwalk Credit: AP:Associated Press

7 Tales Soares later died in hospital Credit: Instagram

7 It has not been confirmed how Tales Soares died Credit: Instagram