A former Brazilian top-flight footballer died when a wall collapsed on him during 75mph storm-force winds that killed five people in Rio de Janeiro. Tassio Maia dos Santos, 41, was one of two men crushed when the structure gave way on Wednesday in the Santa Teresa district.
The former Botafogo striker was working at a historic mansion, now a wedding venue overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, when the wall collapsed. His friend and colleague Vandre Cordeiro also died.
Botafogo paid tribute 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.'
Career and tributes
Santos made his debut in 2002 and enjoyed a 17-year professional career, representing 27 clubs before retiring in 2019. He played for several teams in Brazil, as well as CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria and Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica. Tributes poured in from former teammates, fans and friends.
Storm impact
The collapse came as Rio was struck by gale-force winds up to 75mph. Severe weather caused widespread disruption, uprooting dozens of trees, cutting power supplies and temporarily suspending all three metro lines, leaving thousands stranded. Three other people lost their lives in Rio during the storm, including a fisherman whose boat sank. Meanwhile, two men in São Paulo were killed when trees fell on them.
