Ecuadorian conjoined twin influencers die at 27 following cardiac arrest

OPA WIRE, Oct 19 (OPA) — The brothers, who shared a liver, intestines, and a single set of legs, were undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation facility in Colombia after traveling from Ecuador in April. Their brother, Damian, told local radio station La Voz de Milagro that Jose Luis initially suffered a heart attack on Thursday but was resuscitated. Hours later, both brothers experienced subsequent cardiac arrests and died.

'Jose Armando had already suffered the heart attack and couldn't withstand it, and it took Jose Luis with him,' Damian said. The twins had gained a following of over 60,000 on social media by documenting their daily lives and their persistent efforts to learn to walk. They were conjoined at the chest and pelvis, often using a skateboard for mobility while working toward the goal of standing independently.

Before their deaths, the brothers were preparing for a medical procedure aimed at correcting their gait. Jose Luis had reportedly fallen ill last week, experiencing vomiting and urinary tract complications prior to the fatal cardiac events. The family has requested privacy and has not released further details regarding the specific medical circumstances surrounding their passing.

In a statement posted to their joint Instagram account, the family confirmed the deaths occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning. The twins were vocal about their bond, with Jose Armando previously describing their condition as a gift. They consistently advocated for the idea that disability did not prevent them from pursuing a fulfilling life.