8 Cancer Doctors, 2 Kids and a Lawyer: What We Know About Victims of Brazil Plane Crash That Killed 61

Mar. 15, 2025

The debris at the site where an airplane crashed with 61 people on board, in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, early on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.Photo:AP Photo/Andre Penner

AP Photo/Andre Penner

Two children, a lawyer and eight cancer doctors were reportedly among the 61 people killed when aplane crashed in a Brazilian citylast week.

A total of 57 passengers and four crew members were on the passenger plane when it plummeted to the ground in Vinhedo on Friday, Aug. 9. There were no survivors.

At least 12 of the victims have been officially identified, according to a second translated news release fromgovernment officialspublished on Aug 11.

Among those who died are at least eight cancer doctors who were traveling to an oncology conference when the crash occurred, according to theAssociated PressandThe Independent.

An aerial view of the wreckage of an airplane that crashed with 61 people on board in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, on August 10, 2024.NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty

NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty

Two of the doctors, Mariana Belim and Ariane Risso, were from the Uopeccan Cancer Hospital in Cascavel, the same city where the plane took off from on Aug. 9, according to theBBC.

Laiana Vasatta, a lawyer who would represent clients in lawsuits against airlines, is reportedly among the victims.

Also killed were 3-year-old Liz Ibba dos Santos and her father, per the AP and the BBC. The child’s mother was not on the flight.

Another group of family members — Josgleidys Gonzalez, her mother Maria Gladys Parra Holguin, her young son Joslan Perez and their dog Luna — were involved in the crash as well.

The group — which included the 4-year-old boy, according toCNN— was traveling home to their native Venezuela before trying a new life in Colombia, per the BBC. They have since been confirmed to be dead, including the dog.

Fire department, rescue, police and Medico-legal Institute are seen on site of an airplane crash in Vinhedo, city located approximately 100km of Soo Paulo, Brazil on August 9, 2024. An airplane model ATR-72 from VoePass has crashed this Friday, the plane departed from Cascavel and was supposed to land at Guarulhos airport.Ettore Chiereguini/Anadolu via Getty

Ettore Chiereguini/Anadolu via Getty

Tânia Azevedo told the AP she lost her son Tiago in the crash. “I believe Tiago is somewhere trying to help the other people wounded who also need light and love,” she said.

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On Sunday, authorities said they are still collecting genetic materials from family members to help identify the remaining victims.

The State of São Paulo has announced three days of official mourning to honor the victims of the fatal crash.

An investigation into what caused the crash is ongoing.

source: people.com