A British university student died in a Bali hotel room after adopting an extreme vegan “fruitarian” diet, weighing just 3.5 stone (22kg) at the time of his death, Indonesian authorities have confirmed. The body of Nicoletta Spinelli, 19, was discovered on October 28, 2025, at the Sumberkima Hill resort in Ubud, sparking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of severely restrictive diets and the potential for malnutrition, particularly among young people experimenting with extreme lifestyle choices. Spinelli, a student at the University of East Anglia, had reportedly been adhering to a fruitarian diet - consuming only fruits – for an extended period before travelling to Bali. Her death has prompted concern from health professionals and raised questions about the support available to students with potentially harmful dietary habits.
According to local police reports, Spinelli arrived in Bali on october 16, 2025, and was found unresponsive in her hotel room by staff after she failed to respond to calls for breakfast. Authorities stated there were no signs of violence or foul play. A preliminary medical examination indicated severe malnutrition as a likely cause of death.
“we found the victim in a very weak condition,” saeid Police Commissioner I made Ubu, head of the Ubud police. “She was extremely thin, and it appears she had been depriving herself of essential nutrients for a considerable time.”
Spinelli’s family has been notified and are making arrangements to repatriate her body to the United Kingdom. The University of East Anglia has confirmed that spinelli was a student at the institution and has offered support to her family and friends. A university spokesperson stated, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of our students. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly tough time.”
The Indonesian consulate in London is assisting the family with the necessary paperwork and logistical arrangements.The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of balanced nutrition and the potential risks associated with adopting highly restrictive diets without proper medical guidance. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of Spinelli’s death.
