Beautician Convicted in Death of Kim Kardashian Lookalike Following Botched Procedure

Vivian Alexandra Gomez, a 53-year-old beautician, has been convicted of felony involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Christina Ashten Gourkani, a 34-year-old OnlyFans model and Kim Kardashian lookalike. The San Mateo County jury reached its verdict on March 24, 2026, following Gourkani's death after an illegal gluteal silicone injection performed by Gomez in April 2023.

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Gourkani, who gained popularity on social media for her resemblance to Kim Kardashian, sought out Gomez for the procedure, which is not legally sanctioned. On April 19, 2023, Gomez administered multiple injections in a hotel room at the Burlingame Marriott. Shortly after the procedure, Gourkani experienced severe complications, including convulsions, leading her fiancé to call 911. She was transported to Mills-Peninsula Hospital, where she died the following day from respiratory failure and a pulmonary embolism.

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In addition to involuntary manslaughter, Gomez was also found guilty of practicing medicine without a license and inflicting great bodily injury. Following the conviction, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Leland Davis ordered Gomez to report to jail immediately. She faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, with her sentencing hearing scheduled for May 5, 2026.

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Gourkani's family expressed their devastation through a GoFundMe campaign, describing the moment they learned of her death as a "tragic phone call" that "instantly shattered our world." They characterized Gourkani as a "caring and loving free spirit" who brought joy to those around her. The family has since raised over $6,600 to support funeral expenses.

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The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office highlighted the dangers associated with unregulated cosmetic procedures, noting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against the use of silicone injections for body enhancement due to the risk of severe complications, including embolisms and death. The FDA's warnings emphasize that such procedures can lead to serious health risks, including the potential for silicone to travel through blood vessels to vital organs.

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Critics of the cosmetic surgery industry have pointed to this case as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unlicensed practitioners. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the field of cosmetic procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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While the jury found Gomez guilty of involuntary manslaughter, some sources indicate that the investigation into Gourkani's death was initially treated as a homicide related to a medical procedure gone wrong. The autopsy revealed that Gourkani died from an embolism and toxins, but the exact circumstances leading to her death remain a point of contention among some observers.

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“' 'A phone call that instantly shattered our world and will forever haunt our family for the rest of our lives,' the statement added.” — Gourkani's family statement

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“was such a caring and loving free spirit that always took the time to bring a smile to anyone’s face she crossed paths with,” — Gourkani's family statement

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