Ex-footballer dies aged 41 in freak accident after storm kills four others

A former Brazilian top-flight footballer has died after 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 who were crushed when the structure gave way on Wednesday in the Santa Teresa district of Rio de Janeiro.

The former Botafogo striker was reportedly working at a historic mansion, which is now a wedding venue that overlooks the city’s Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue, when the wall collapsed.

His friend and colleague, Vandre Cordeiro, also died in the incident.

Botafogo paid tribute to the 41-year-old in a statement that reads: ‘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.’

After making his debut in 2002, Santos enjoyed a 17-year professional career, representing 27 clubs before he retired in 2019.

As well as playing for several teams in Brazil, the footballer also played for CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria and Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica.

Tributes have since poured in for Santos, with his former teammates, fans and friends remembering him.

The collapse of the building came as Rio was struck by gale-force winds up to 75mph.

Severe weather caused widespread disruption throughout the city as dozens of trees were uprooted, power supplies were cut off and all three of Rio’s metro lines were temporarily suspended, leaving thousands stranded.

Three other people lost their lives during the storm, including a fisherman whose boat sank.

Meanwhile, two men in São Paulo were killed when trees fell on them.