Man Found Dead in Itu Square Died of Heart Attack, Autopsy Reveals
An autopsy report from the Institute of Legal Medicine (IML) has determined that Kleber Pereira Santana, a 46-year-old homeless man found deceased in Itu's Praça do Cruzeiro on Wednesday, May 15th, died from an acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. Initial suspicions from his family centered on the possibility of death due to cold, as the city experienced a low of 7.7°C that morning. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, while an acute myocardial infarction is caused by a sudden interruption of blood flow to the heart muscle. Santana was discovered by pedestrians in the Historic Center, lying on the ground, curled up and covered by a blanket. His sister, Elizângela Pereira Santana Neves, 47, explained that Kleber voluntarily became homeless after their mother's death. She described him as a kind, honest individual who never used drugs but struggled with alcohol dependence, and who was deeply loved by those who frequented the square. His gentle demeanor made him a popular figure among daily visitors to Praça do Cruzeiro, with many noting his politeness and charisma. Santana's wake is scheduled for Thursday, May 16th, starting at 8:30 PM at Ofebas Zona Norte in Sorocaba, with burial to follow at Santo Antônio Cemetery in Sorocaba.
The autopsied cause of death for Kleber Pereira Santana, a homeless individual in Itu, Brazil, was an acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock, dispelling initial family concerns about hypothermia due to cold weather. This case highlights the vulnerability of individuals experiencing homelessness, whose underlying health conditions may be exacerbated by environmental factors and lack of consistent medical care. While the immediate cause of death was medical, the broader context of homelessness raises systemic questions about access to healthcare, social support networks, and preventative health measures for this population. Future considerations could involve exploring proactive health screenings and outreach programs for vulnerable individuals to mitigate risks associated with both environmental exposure and pre-existing medical conditions, ensuring dignity and well-being regardless of housing status.
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