Audio By Carbonatix
Marília Mendonça, one of Brazil’s most popular singers and a Latin Grammy winner, died Friday in an airplane crash on her way to a concert. She was 26.
Mendonça’s press office confirmed her death in a statement and said four other passengers on the flight also perished.
Their plane crashed between Mendonça’s hometown Goiania and Caratinga, a small city in Minas Gerais state located north of Rio de Janeiro.
Minas Gerais state’s civil police also confirmed Mendonça’s death, without providing details about the cause of the accident, which occurred shortly before arrival.
Photographs and videos show the plane laying just beneath a waterfall; Mendonça had posted a video this afternoon showing her walking toward the plane, guitar case in hand.
The rising star performed country music, in Brazil called sertanejo. She was known for tackling feminist issues in her songs, such as denouncing men who control their partners, and calling for female empowerment.
On Friday evening, the news triggered an outpouring of sadness on social media from all corners of Brazil, including fans, politicians, musicians and soccer players. Her Instagram account has 38 million followers.
“I refuse to believe, I just refuse,” Brazil soccer star Neymar, who is a friend of Mendonça's, said on Twitter after the news broke. Brazil's government also offered its condolences.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also used social media to mourn the passing “of one of the greatest artists of her generation.”
“The entire country receives the news in shock,” he said.
Her album “Em Todos os Cantos” won her the 2019 Latin Grammy for best sertanejo album. She was nominated for the same award this year for “Patroas.”
Mendonça was also famous for her romantic songs, often expressing the loss of loved ones.
“You always make me cry, you’re unique and eternal,” said fan Michelle Wisla on Twitter.
Mendonça leaves behind a son, who will turn 2 years old next month.
Latest Stories
-
NACOC dismantles drug dens in Eastern and Greater Accra regions in ‘Operation White Ember’
10 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Aduana fight from two goals down to draw against Young Apostles
25 minutes -
Emmanuel Dzivenu: The ‘stolen’ birthday
27 minutes -
ECG announces technical challenge with MMS-compliant meters; says it’s being fixed
31 minutes -
Less than 1% renewables: Dr. Richard Obeng Mensah calls for legal and policy reset
1 hour -
Galamsey operator sentenced for slashing student with blade
2 hours -
Creative Canvas 2025: Black Sherif — The cultural storyteller
2 hours -
PassionAir female pilot shares inspiring journey into aviation
3 hours -
Only shortlisted teachers with index numbers eligible for GES promotion exams
4 hours -
Sam George warns Ghanaians against assisting illegal acquisition of citizenship
4 hours -
Three injured as firefighters rescue 26 passengers after multi-vehicle crash near Kintampo Waterfalls
4 hours -
Supercar Spectacle co-founder lauds attendance at historic event
4 hours -
COPEC calls for continued investment to ensure TOR’s sustainability
4 hours -
Tyler Perry sued by another aspiring actor alleging sexual assault and seeking $77m in damages
5 hours -
Canadian national and Ghanaian boyfriend arrested for alleged arson at Oyarifa
5 hours
