Former Brazil footballer Tassio Maia dos Santos, 41, died after a wall collapsed during a storm in Rio de Janeiro's Santa Teresa district, one of five fatalities as winds reached 75mph.
Europa League scorer killed
Tassio scored in the Europa League while playing for CSKA Sofia and is best remembered for his time at Botafogo, where he played in 2015. His professional career spanned 2002 to 2019 across 27 clubs, including Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica, where he scored five goals in 19 appearances.
Botafogo confirmed his death in a statement: “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.”
Wall collapse and other deaths
The wall collapsed at a historic mansion with views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, used as a wedding venue. A friend and work colleague died alongside Tassio. Elsewhere, a fisherman died after his boat sank, and two men in São Paulo state were killed by falling trees.
The storm caused extensive disruption: power outages, dozens of uprooted trees, and suspension of all three Rio metro lines, leaving thousands stranded.
