Pet influencer killed in horror crash taking dog to see snow for first time
A pet influencer has tragically died in a crash whilst taking her dog on a dream vacation with her family.
Labibi Mello, 39, was identified as the victim of the freak accident after she got caught in a snow storm in Patagonia on July 27. The dog owner veered off an icy road, with her mother, golden retriever Dom and chihuahua Ravi. Labibi was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. All other occupants survived the incident.
Labibi, who launched an instagram page dedicated to Dom, had gathered 15,000 followers. She previously shared on social media that she had been planning to take him to see the snow for two years. The animal enthusiast, who also worked as a chef, had travelled all the way from Brazil to Argentina to put the dream into action. It comes after a newlywed's heartbreak as husband and baby daughter are killed during honeymoon.
She set off from her hometown Marilia on July 1 by car before reaching her destination in central Argentina. The group first spotted settled snow on July 19. Labibi shared Dom's first encounter with snow and filmed him sniffing the ground as he investigated.
Just days before her death, she posted on July 23: "The first time in the snow we never forget! This was the last day. We will never forget this feeling." Labibi was killed in the fatal crash in the Alto Valle del Rio Negro region.
Her mother was hospitalised with minor injuries and has since been discharged. Dom and Ravi are both being cared for by relatives. Labibi had been talking about the trip on social media since 2023. In December 2024, she wrote on Instagram: "I am dedicating myself to an incredible, bold plan: to take Dom to see the snow, I especially want him to experience this pleasure."
In her spare time, Labibi worked with the Animal Support, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Group in her hometown. The organisation posted on Instagram: "Our story with Labibi and Dom began many years ago, and we can't thank her enough for everything she did during that time, mobilising people, helping out, representing us.
Labibi is one in a million, a rare person. Our hearts are in pieces, we will never forget you."
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