January 24, 2009 - RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - 20-year-old Brazilian model Mariana Bridi da Costa, who had her hands and feet amputated, after developing a septicemia caused by a severe urinary infection died in the morning of January 24th, Saturday.

Her funeral was planned for next Saturday afternoon in the town of Marechal Floriano.

Before she was diagnosed an infection which is known to be drug resistant, Mariana was living the dream of many young Brazilian women.

She began modeling at the age of 14 with the hope to lift her family out of poverty. Her father is a taxi driver and her mother a house cleaner.

She participated in Miss Brazil World pageant twice where she became a finalist in 2007 and 2008. She was also sent to International competitions where she won awards and earned good placements.

The Miss World Brazil organization said she was an example of someone "who knew how to intensely live her life."

Mariana's website http://www.marianabridi.com.br