A 13-year-old footballer and his 17-year-old sister have died after their car overturned on a motorway in Brazil. Felipe Siqueira Barbosa de Barros and his sister Beatriz were travelling with family when the vehicle crashed on the SP-330 highway near Santa Rita do Passa Quatro on Sunday afternoon, 23 August.
Crash details
Emergency crews found the vehicle overturned in the central reservation and began treating its five occupants. Three were unconscious, including Felipe and Beatriz. A motorist who witnessed the crash and stopped on the hard shoulder told police he saw the driver lose control of the vehicle. He said there were no other vehicles or objects on the road that appeared to have caused the crash.
The driver, a 51-year-old businessman and the father of Felipe and Beatriz, suffered minor injuries. Police said he showed no signs of intoxication and a breathalyser test came back negative. He was taken to hospital in Porto Ferreira, where he told officers he had lost control of the vehicle without any external interference.
Family injuries
His 46-year-old wife suffered serious injuries but remained conscious. The couple's 14-year-old niece was admitted to hospital unconscious and intubated. There has been no further update on their conditions. While officers were filing their report, they were informed that Felipe and Beatriz had tragically died.
Club tribute
Felipe was a talented young midfielder who played for Mauá Futebol Clube's Under-14 side and had started matches in the ongoing São Paulo State Championship. Last year, he competed in the same tournament at Under-13 level for Esporte Clube União Suzano, where he captained the team.
Mauá FC paid an emotional tribute to the youngster. The club said: “It is with profound sadness and sorrow that Mauá Futebol has learned of the death of our Under-14 player, Felipe Siqueira, on Sunday night.
“Felipe was part of the Mauá Futebol family and, despite being so young, had already left his mark both on and off the pitch with his joy and talent, sharing moments with us that will remain in our memories forever.”
Funeral and investigation
Felipe and Beatriz will be laid to rest in Santo André following a joint funeral in São Bernardo do Campo today, 25 August. Police are investigating the tragedy, which was initially registered as negligent manslaughter and negligent bodily injury caused by driving a motor vehicle. Mauá FC added: “Felipe, thank you for being part of our history. The Mauá Futebol family will never forget you.”
