A 72-year-old grandmother has died after falling from aircraft stairs while disembarking from a flight at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. Maria da Gloria Pereira da Silva Favaro was travelling to celebrate her daughter's birthday when the accident occurred on Friday.
She suffered a serious fall, landing on her neck, and was rushed to hospital with a skull bleed. She died two days later. The incident was witnessed by Brazilian influencer Julio Mamute, who said he was among the first to reach her. 'I saw a person fall at my feet and stop moving,' he said, fighting back tears.
Mamute described how she fell onto her neck on the last few steps and was still breathing with difficulty. He later said he was still shaken by what he had witnessed and urged people to be careful with stairs, adding that such tragedies can be avoided.
Maria had arrived on Latam flight LA3785 from Ribeirao Preto. The airline confirmed the incident and expressed deep regret, extending condolences to her family. It stated that it followed all protocols and adopts all possible safety measures to ensure a safe journey.
Tributes have poured in from loved ones. Her daughter, dermatologist Raquel Favaro, wrote on social media: 'Thank you for everything, and especially for what you did that I couldn't see. I hope that one day my love will repay, at least in part, everything you did for me. I love you.'
Maria leaves behind her husband, two children and four grandchildren. Her funeral took place in her hometown of Ituverava.
