Brazilian singer Mendonca dies in plane crash at 26

Gulf Today Report

Marilia Mendonca, one of the hottest young stars of Brazil's answer to country music, died on Friday in an airplane crash on her way to a concert. She was 26.

Mendonca’s press office confirmed her death in a statement, and said four other passengers on the flight also perished.

Their plane crashed between Mendonca’s hometown Goiania and Caratinga, a small city in Minas Gerais state located north of Rio de Janeiro.

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Authorities have launched an investigation, said local police chief Ivan Lopes.

"We still cannot say what caused the plane to crash, but there is damage that suggests that the plane collided with a (power) antenna before falling," Lopes said at a press conference.

Local TV showed footage of firefighters working to remove the bodies from the plane, which crashed in a rocky area next to a waterfall.

This photo shows the crashed airplane plane that was transporting Brazilian singer Marilia Mendonca on Friday. AP

Minas Gerais state’s civil police also confirmed Mendonca’s death, without providing details about the cause of the accident, which occurred shortly before arrival. Photographs and videos show the plane lying just beneath a waterfall; Mendonça had posted a video this afternoon showing her walking toward the plane, guitar case in hand.

The rising star performed country music in Brazil, called sertanejo. She was known for tackling feminist issues in her songs, such as denouncing men who control their partners, and calling for female empowerment.

On Friday evening, the news triggered an outpouring of sadness on social media from all corners of Brazil, including fans, politicians, musicians and soccer players. Her Instagram account has 38 million followers.

"I refuse to believe, I just refuse,” Brazil soccer star Neymar, who is a friend of Mendonça's, said on Twitter after the news broke. Brazil's government also offered its condolences.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also used social media to mourn the passing "of one of the greatest artists of her generation.”

"The entire country receives the news in shock,” he said.

Her album "Em Todos os Cantos” won her the 2019 Latin Grammy for best sertanejo album. She was nominated for the same award this year for "Patroas.”

Mendonça was also famous for her romantic songs, often expressing the loss of loved ones.

"You always make me cry, you’re unique and eternal,” said fan Michelle Wisla on Twitter.

Mendonça leaves behind a son, who will turn 2 years old next month.