Ayres Sasaki, a 35-year-old Brazilian musician, lost his life after being electrocuted during a live show on July 13. The tragic incident took place at the Solar Hotel in Salinópolis, a city in the state of Pará, Brazil. According to reports, Sasaki was performing on stage when he embraced a drenched fan, (a human, not a machine) leading to a fatal electric shock from a nearby cable.
Various media outlets have speculated that Sasaki was in the middle of playing his guitar when the unfortunate accident took place.
The Civil Police of Pará confirmed that an extensive investigation is underway. A representative of the police unit stated to Istoé Gente, “We are interviewing witnesses and have requested expert reports to determine the precise cause of the electrical discharge.”
On July 14, the Solar Hotel issued an official statement expressing their condolences and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The hotel affirmed its commitment to providing support to Sasaki’s family and to ensuring the proper clarification of the events through its official Instagram account.
Rita Matos, Sasaki’s aunt, stated that the family is actively gathering information to comprehend what occurred during the performance. “We are contacting people who were with him at the moment to understand how everything happened. We will gather all the information in a statement that we will release to the press,” Matos informed Istoé Gente.
The death of Sasaki has resulted in an overwhelming sense of loss among his fans and friends. Raphael Macedo, a filmmaker and a close associate of Sasaki, remembered him for his lively personality and musical prowess. “Ayres was more than just a talented musician; he was a joyful and kind friend. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him,” Macedo told Hindustan Times.
In addition to his musical career, Sasaki also worked as an architect and urban planner. He had tied the knot with his wife, Mariana, just 11 months before his untimely demise. Mariana expressed her appreciation for the support and condolences received from fans and friends during this challenging time. “I am deeply touched by the messages of affection and comfort. Ayres was loved by many, and his music brought joy to countless people,” she posted on social media.
The management of the Solar Hotel has assured that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of their venue and to avert similar incidents in the future.
This incident isn’t the first of its kind in Brazil. In 2023, Pedro Henrique, a Brazilian gospel singer, also lost his life on stage during a live show in Feira de Santana due to accidental electrocution, highlighting the potential risks associated with live performances and electrical equipment.
As the investigation progresses, fans of Ayres Sasaki have been expressing their grief on social media platforms. His official Instagram page has been flooded with messages of condolences and fond memories of his performances. One fan wrote, “Your music and spirit will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Ayres.” Another added, “Thank you for the joy you brought into our lives through your music.”
Ayres Sasaki is survived by his wife Mariana, who continues to receive support from fans and loved ones. The family has requested privacy during this time as they mourn their loss and await further details from the ongoing investigation.