On September 21, 2024, a tragic accident occurred on the Presidente Dutra highway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A bus carrying the Coritiba Crocodiles, a Brazilian American football team, overturned, resulting in three fatalities and six injuries. The team was en route to a match against the Flamengo Imperadores in the Brazilian American Football League at the time of the incident.
Local media outlets identified the deceased players as Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros, and Lucas Padilha. Barros was a 20-year-old wide receiver and captain of the Brazilian U20 national team. Felip Muniz, a member of the team staff, mourned the loss of his colleagues in a poignant social media post, expressing disbelief at the tragic event.
The bus, carrying 43 passengers, tipped onto its side during the trip. Images from the site depict the vehicle sprawled across the roadway. The cause of the accident is under investigation by local authorities, and the injured parties received medical care at a nearby hospital. In a statement, the team expressed their grief and requested positive thoughts and support in these trying times.
This tragic event has had a profound impact on the burgeoning popularity of American football in Brazil. The country has recently seen a surge in interest in the sport, particularly following the NFL’s recent expansion into global markets. Earlier this year, Brazil hosted its inaugural NFL game, a milestone event for both players and fans. The NFL has been working to establish a foothold in Brazil by organizing flag football leagues, Super Bowl viewing parties, and forming partnerships with local media outlets.
Shortly before the accident, Barros shared a post on social media celebrating the NFL’s first game in Brazil, a testament to his passion for the sport. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the American football community in Brazil and around the world. To honor the victims, the Coritiba Crocodiles conducted a vigil at their home stadium, Croco Stadium. The Brazilian Football Confederation also observed a minute of silence before games over the following weekend as a tribute to the fallen players.
The bus operator, Princesa dos Campos, issued a statement offering their condolences and confirming their cooperation with the ongoing investigation. They also pledged to assist the affected families and brought in specialists to investigate how the accident occurred.
