Santa Catarina Civil Police Chief shares emotional details from the site of the deadly accident
Santa Catarina, Brazil — In a heartbreaking revelation, authorities have confirmed that three victims of a fatal hot air balloon crash in Brazil were found hugging each other at the moment of their death. The accident, which took place in the scenic city of Bom Retiro, Santa Catarina, has sent waves of grief across the country.
The tragic event occurred on Sunday, June 23, during a sightseeing balloon flight that was meant to showcase the breathtaking landscapes of southern Brazil. However, due to what investigators believe was a sudden and violent change in weather conditions, the balloon lost control and plummeted to the ground.
Victims Identified
The three victims, identified as Eloá Barboza da Silva, 28, José Afonso Junior, 37, and Douglas Ribeiro da Silva, 33, were all passengers on the balloon. According to Civil Police Chief Ulisses Gabriel, they were discovered in a deeply emotional final embrace, holding on to one another just before impact.
“It was a moment of despair, but also of unity and love,” said Gabriel. “They knew what was coming. They chose to face it together.”
The pilot of the balloon, Guilherme Ribeiro, survived the crash with serious injuries and is currently hospitalized. His condition is reported as stable, and he is expected to be interviewed once medically cleared.
The Flight and the Fall
Initial reports suggest the balloon took off early in the morning, under seemingly safe weather conditions. It was part of a commercial flight organized by a local tourism company specializing in aerial sightseeing experiences.
However, during the flight, the balloon encountered sudden turbulence and strong wind gusts. Witnesses from the ground reported seeing the balloon struggle to maintain altitude before nosediving into a rural field.
Emergency teams were dispatched immediately, but by the time they reached the crash site, the three passengers had already succumbed to their injuries.
Investigation Underway
Brazilian authorities, including Santa Catarina’s Civil Police and aviation safety experts, have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. One of the key points of inquiry is the balloon’s weather clearance and the decisions made by the flight operator.
“There is no indication of mechanical failure at this point,” said an aviation inspector close to the investigation. “The focus is on environmental conditions and possible human error.”
The company operating the balloon has been temporarily suspended while the investigation proceeds.
A Nation in Mourning
The story of the final embrace has resonated deeply across Brazil. Social media has been flooded with messages of sorrow, solidarity, and tributes to the victims. Many are calling them symbols of courage and love in the face of unimaginable fear.
Local churches and community centers in Bom Retiro have held vigils and prayer services in memory of the victims. Friends and family members shared personal stories and photos, remembering them not just for how they died, but for how they lived.
“Eloá was full of life and dreams,” said her sister in a statement to the press. “She was on that balloon to see the world from above. She never thought it would be her last adventure.”
Balloon Safety in Question
The tragedy has sparked renewed debate over the regulation of hot air balloon tourism in Brazil. While the activity is generally considered safe, especially when operated by licensed professionals, this incident has raised concerns about emergency preparedness and weather monitoring.
Experts note that while balloon crashes are rare, they can be devastating when they occur. Calls are growing for stricter safety protocols, better real-time weather monitoring, and more stringent oversight of commercial balloon operators.
A Final Embrace
In a press briefing, Chief Gabriel became visibly emotional as he described the scene. “It’s one of the most moving things I’ve seen in my career,” he said. “They didn’t die alone. They faced the end with human connection, clinging to each other. That image will stay with us forever.”
As investigations continue, the families are now focused on arranging funerals and memorials. The government of Santa Catarina has offered psychological support to the victims’ relatives and survivors.
In the midst of deep sorrow, one truth has emerged from the wreckage: even in their final moments, these three individuals held on to love, solidarity, and the human spirit.