How did Silvio Santos die? Cause of death explored as Brazilian TV Executive and Host dies aged 93 

Brazilian television executive and host, Silvio Santos, passed away at the age of 93. Santos, known for his trademark smile and catchphrase, died on Saturday, August 17, due to bronchopneumonia as a result of an H1N1 infection. He had been receiving treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.

Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia that results in acute inflammation in the alveoli of the lungs. Santos owned the Brazilian television network SBT, which housed a plethora of iconic shows, including his renowned variety show, Programa Silvio Santos.

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Silvio Santos passed away due to bronchopneumonia

Brazilian television personality Silvio Santos passed away on Saturday due to bronchopneumonia caused by an H1N1 infection. He was admitted to Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital for the last few weeks to treat the infection.

According to Healthline, pneumonia, a lung infection, is the result of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection and inflammation in the lungs. Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia that results in the inflammation of the alveoli, or air sacks, within the lungs. In Santos' case, he was infected with the Influenza A virus subtype H1N1.

Bronchopneumonia results in symptoms similar to pneumonia and presents with flu-like symptoms that can end up becoming worse over time. Some of the symptoms include fever, mucus-riddled cough, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, chills, sweating, headaches, muscle aches, pleurisy, fatigue, and delirium.

Due to most cases of bronchopneumonia being caused by bacteria, the condition can spread through sneezes and coughs. Hospital treatment for the disease includes prescription antibiotics, the administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids, and oxygen therapy. Complications from bronchopneumonia can result in respiratory failure, sepsis, pleural effusion, lung abscess, and heart conditions.

Santos began his career as a street vendor in Rio de Janeiro, selling items like toys and pens, before landing a radio gig in the 1940s. His success in radio quickly translated to television, as his charm and business acumen eventually led him to found the Brazilian TV network SBT.

SBT hosted a variety of programs, but it was the Programa Silvio Santos, or Silvio Santos Program, established in 1963 during his time at Globo Network, that quickly made Santos the voice of the nation. The show featured the late host's iconic smile and catchy jingle, "Here comes Silvio Santos!"

On the program, Santos, sporting a collar microphone, would constantly interact with audience members. Towards the end of the show, Santos' legendary catchphrase, Who wants money?, would sound, and the host would make paper airplanes with real money and fly them towards the audience.

In 2021, SBT was ranked as the third most-watched network in Brazil, with a viewership of 214 million people. Apart from TV, Santos had investments in 30 companies, including a cosmetics company, hotels, and a mid-sized bank. In 2020, Forbes estimated his net worth to be around $380 million.

SBT released a statement on Saturday, stating that heaven would be happy with the arrival of Santos, who lived 93 years to bring "happiness and love" to Brazilians. The statement continued:

"That wide smile and familiar voice will forever be remembered with much gratitude."

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also released a statement on X, honoring the television personality. The tribute read:

"Silvio Santos was the greatest personality in the history of Brazilian television, and one of the country’s greatest communicators."

He continued:

"His departure leaves a void on Brazilian television and marks the end of an era."

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Silvio Santos is survived by his wife, Iris Abravanel, and their six daughters.