'Tragedy': Brazilian journeyman who came to K-League dies at just 41; "Will be remembered in our hearts forever"

*This content was translated by AI.

Brazilian striker Tacio (41, real name Tacio Maia dos Santos), who once played for K-League club Busan I'Park, has passed away suddenly in his home country.

British outlet 'The Sun' reported on the 30th (Korean time) that "Tacio, a Brazilian footballer who previously played in the top division, died tragically at the age of 41 after being struck by a collapsing wall amid strong winds sweeping across Brazil."

According to reports, Tacio was working in the Santa Teresa hill area of Rio de Janeiro when he was hit by a wall that collapsed due to strong winds. The accident also claimed the life of a colleague and friend who was working alongside him at the scene. The location where the accident occurred is a historic mansion with views of the famous Pão de Açúcar mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, which was reportedly used as a wedding venue and other events.

Botafogo, Tacio's former club and a prestigious team in Brazil's Serie A, issued an official statement announcing his death. Botafogo shared a photo of Tacio wearing their jersey and stated, "We convey with deep sorrow the news that former player Tacio, who wore our club's jersey in 2015, has passed away at the age of 41."

The statement continued, "Tacio became a victim of a wall collapse accident amid strong winds that struck Rio de Janeiro. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him during this sad time."

Tacio made his professional debut in 2002 and played as a veteran striker for 17 years until his retirement in 2019, moving through no fewer than 27 clubs. He was affiliated with K-League club Busan from February to July 2011 but did not make any official match appearances. Afterward, he continued his playing career at numerous Brazilian clubs as well as CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria and Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica, among others around the world.

As news spread, a wave of tributes from fans has followed. Through social networking services (SNS) and other platforms, fans left messages such as "May God take him to a better place," "We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends," and "He will be remembered in our hearts forever."

Meanwhile, the storm accompanied by strong winds that struck Rio de Janeiro and surrounding areas of São Paulo state caused massive power outages and paralyzed public transportation, resulting in the worst damage. In Rio de Janeiro, three subway lines were completely suspended, leaving thousands of citizens stranded, and dozens of trees were uprooted by their roots. The strong wind accident has been reported to have claimed a total of five lives, including Tacio, a fisherman who died on a sunken boat, and two people in São Paulo who were crushed by falling trees.

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*This content was translated by AI.