Brazilian singer and Latin Grammy winner dies in plane crash – New York Post

SAO PAULO — 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.

The plane crashed between Marília Mendonça's hometown Goiania and Caratinga, as her press office confirmed her death.
The plane crashed between Marília Mendonça’s hometown Goiania and Caratinga, as her press office confirmed her death.
AP

“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.

The rising star was known for tackling feminist issues in her songs, as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro called her “one of the greatest artists of her generation.”
The rising star was known for tackling feminist issues in her songs, as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro called her “one of the greatest artists of her generation.”
Brazil Photo Press / SplashNews.
Following Marília Mendonça's fatal plane crash, Brazil soccer star Neymar said he refused to believe the star's death on Twitter.
Following Marília Mendonça’s fatal plane crash, Brazil soccer star Neymar said he refused to believe the star’s death on Twitter.
O Globo TV/AFP via Getty Images

Her album “Em Todos os Cantos” album won her the 2019 Latin Grammy for best sertanejo album. She was nominated for the same award this year for her album “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.

The tragic news brought an outpouring of sorrow on social media from Brazil — including fans, politicians, musicians and soccer players.
The tragic news brought an outpouring of sorrow on social media from Brazil — including fans, politicians, musicians and soccer players.
AP