Brazilian Socialist Party presidential candidate Eduardo Campos has died after his aides say they lost contact with his plane. The private plane that was reportedly carrying a Brazilian presidential candidate crashed, according to Reuters.
Seven people were on the plane, the Associated Press reports. Local media had reported earlier that Campos' wife and son were also on the plane.
In addition to the Campos family, two pilots, a campaign photographer, and a press advisor were also on the plane. The police told Reuters that there were multiple fatalities but did not say how many.
Campos was 49 years old. He was third in the polls for the election set for October.
The plane was flying in bad weather and reportedly lost contact with air traffic control as it was preparing to land.
Senator Aecio Neves, the centrist candidate running in second place, said he was "immensely saddened."
Current President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, who is leading the election race, has announced that she would suspend all campaigning for three days in mourning. She sent out an official note of mourning on Facebook.
The grandson of Miguel Arraes, democratic example for my generation, Eduardo was a great political leadership. As a young man, he fought the good fight of politics, as federal Deputy, Minister and Governor of Pernambuco, twice.
Had Eduardo and I a long coexistence in Lula's Government, in the 2006 campaigns, 2010 and during my Government.
We were together for the last time, at the funeral of our dear Ariano Suassuna. We talk as friends. We've always had our political differences, if any, of course always be smaller than the characteristic mutual respect of our coexistence.
It was an exemplary father and husband. In this moment of deep pain, my feelings are with Renata, companion of a lifetime, and with their beloved children. I'm so sad.
My condolences to the families of all the victims of this tragedy.
I have decreed official mourning 3 days in tribute to the memory of Eduardo Campos. Determined the suspension of my campaign for 3 days.
No comments:
Post a Comment