An unfortunate incident occurred on September 21, 2024, when a bus carrying members of the Coritiba Crocodiles American football team had an accident on the Presidente Dutra highway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The team was en route to a Brazilian American Football League match against the Flamengo Imperadores in Rio de Janeiro when tragedy struck. The deadly crash claimed the lives of three players, while six others sustained injuries.
The victims, as identified by local media, were Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros, and Lucas Padilha. Barros, a mere 20-years-old, served as a wide receiver and was the captain of Brazil’s U20 national team. Felip Muniz, a staffer from the team, posted a heartfelt message on social media expressing disbelief at the loss, saying, “Lucas, Penguin, and Captain, I still can’t believe you’re gone. Yesterday, unfortunately, was the day to say goodbye to three brothers.”
The bus was carrying a total of 43 passengers when it overturned during the journey. Images from the accident site depict the bus lying sideways across the road. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the authorities, and the injured passengers are undergoing treatment in a nearby hospital. The team released a statement expressing their grief and requested support and positive thoughts.
This incident cast a pall over the rising popularity of American football in Brazil. The country has been witnessing a surge in interest in the sport, particularly following the recent NFL expansion into international markets. Earlier this year, Brazil played host to its first NFL game, marking a significant milestone for both fans and players. The NFL has been making strides to establish its presence in Brazil, with initiatives such as flag football leagues, Super Bowl watch parties, and collaborations with Brazilian media outlets.
Shortly before the crash, Barros had celebrated the NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil on social media. His passion for the sport was evident, and his untimely demise has left a void in the American football community both in Brazil and around the world. In memory of the victims, the Coritiba Crocodiles held a vigil at their home ground, Croco Stadium, on the night of the crash. The Brazilian Football Confederation also paid homage to the victims with a minute of silence before weekend matches.
The bus operator, Princesa dos Campos, issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and confirmed their assistance to the families affected. The company is cooperating with the investigation authorities and has engaged specialists to scrutinize the incident.