A stunning, award-winning carnival dancer has been found dead in her home in Brazil.

Carnival parade dancer Michelle da Costa Chaga, 40 – better known as Michelle Mibow – was found dead in her home in Santos, Sao Paulo State, on 7th November.

According to her brother – Felipe da Costa Chaga, 44 – she had suffered a massive stroke.

Local media reported that her fiance – fireman Sergio Vieira – had arrived home and found her motionless on the floor.

He had tried to revive her, but his efforts were in vain.

He later told local media: “She will always be the love of my life.”

As well as being an accomplished dancer, Michelle was also a choreographer.

She was crowned Queen of Santos Carnival in 2007 and of Sao Vicente Carnival a decade later.

She was also awarded the titles of Princess of Vila Maria Samba School and Muse of Aguia de Ouro Samba School at Sao Paulo Carnival – one of Brazil’s major events.

Well-known figures of the carnival scene in Sao Paulo State have been paying their tributes to her online.

Fabio Przygoda – President of Santos Samba Schools League – said in a statement: “It was with sadness that we received the news of the passing of the samba dancer with a remarkable trajectory as a dancer, percussion band queen, choreographer, and Carnival Queen in our region.

“Her talent, dedication, and love for samba certainly inspire new generations.”