A FORMER top-flight Brazilian footballer has died after a wall collapsed during storm-force winds which claimed the lives of five people.
Ex-Botafogo striker Tassio Maia dos Santos, 41, was identified as one of two men killed in yesterday afternoon’s tragedy in the hilltop Rio de Janeiro district of Santa Teresa as it was battered by gales reaching 75mph.
The second person who died is a friend who has been named locally as Vandre Cordeiro.
Rio-based Botafogo, which plays in Brazil’s top-tier Serie A league, said in a statement confirming Tassio’s death alongside a photo of him in the club jersey: “It is with profound sorrow that Botafogo mourns the passing of former player Tassio Maia dos Santos, who wore our shirt in 2015, at the age of 41.
“Tassio was the victim of a wall collapse during the strong windstorm that hit Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday.
“At this time of grief, the club extends its deepest condolences to Tassio’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Rest in peace.”
During his professional career, which started in 2002 and lasted until 2019 when he retired, the footballer played for 27 clubs.
They included several in Brazil as well as CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria and Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica where he scored five goals in 19 appearances.
The wall collapsed in a street where Tassio was working, at a historic mansion with stunning views of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue which is used as a wedding venue.
The man who died alongside him was a friend as well as a work colleague.
Wellwishers responded to news of Tassio’s death with messages of love for his family.
One said: “May God keep you in a good place. My sincere condolences to the entire family and friends.”
The gale-force winds yesterday brought chaos to Rio de Janeiro and part of Sao Paulo state, causing power outages and disrupting public transport.
Dozens of trees were brought down in Rio and thousands of people were stranded after all three of the city’s metro lines were suspended.
As well as Tassio and his work colleague, a fisherman died after his boat sank and two men lost their lives in the state of Sao Paulo after being crushed by falling trees.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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