Marilia Mendonca, 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, AP reported.
Mendonca’s press office confirmed her death in a statement, and said four other passengers on the flight also perished. Their plane crashed between Mendonca’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 Mendonca’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; Mendonca had posted a video Friday 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.
Brazil’s government also offered its condolences.
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.”
Mendonca was also famous for her romantic songs, often expressing the loss of loved ones.
Marilia Mendonca leaves behind a son, who will turn 2 years old next month.
Photo: Will Dias/Futura Press, via Associated Press
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