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How did Marilia Mendonca die? Brazil 'in shock' after tragic death of 26-year-old singer

Jair Bolsonaro was joined by others like Brazilian soccer star Neymar who said, 'I refuse to believe,' and singer Anitta who said, 'I can't believe it'

Brazil's beloved singer Marilia Mendonca died on Friday, November 5, at the age of 26 along with her manager and aide when the small airplane they were traveling in crashed in the state of Minas Gerais. Tributes from many well-known celebrities and her fans started pouring in after her death. 

According to the singer's press office, her producer, Henrique Ribeiro, aide Abicieli Silveira Dias Filho, as well the pilot and co-pilot of the plane, were also killed in the crash. Mendonca won the 2019 Latin Grammy and had been hailed as an icon of the Brazilian country music style "sertanejo." Before boarding the ill-fated flight, she took to her Instagram to post a video boarding the plane earlier on Friday. Some of the other musicians who died this year include Johnny Ventura, Greg Gilbert, and Emani.

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How did Marilia Mendonca die?

The airplane was headed to Caratinga after it departed from the midwestern city of Goiania where Mendonca had a concert scheduled on Friday, according to news website G1. The cause of the crash is under investigation. State-run power company Cemig said in a statement that the airplane collided with an electricity distribution line owned by the company before hitting the ground. The singer's staff had initially said she was alive and well after news of the accident emerged. Television images later showed the damaged aircraft near a waterfall in a mountainous area.

Brazilian president, Neymar reacts

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Twitter that the whole country was shocked by the news, adding that Mendonca was one of the greatest artists of her generation. "The entire country receives in shock the news of the young singer Marília Mendonça, one of the greatest artists of her geração, who with her unique voice, her charisma and her music conquered or loved and admired us all... Marília is always present in our lives through her songs... May Deus comfort everyone."

After her death was confirmed, Brazilian soccer star Neymar said on Twitter: "I refuse to believe, I refuse". Singer Anitta also grieved Mendonca's death in a series of tweets alongside pictures of the singer performing with her on the stage. "I can't believe it. I want to believe that there is still hope," she wrote in one of them. 

Mendonca's fans react

Soon tributes from her fans began pouring in from all over the world. "Today, a great star shines in the sky and will lend her beautiful voice to the choir of angels. R.I.P. Marília Mendonça!" one of them said, while another wrote, "Rest in peace Marília Mendonça, I don’t even know what to say she had so much of her life ahead of her." One more remarked, "Marilia Mendonca .. Brazil’s Luminosity .. the beautiful female voice of sadness and empowerment has suddenly been taken away .. plane Crash! She shone so brightly in the hearts of millions. 39 million on Instagram! She leaves her 2 year old little boy. Oh! How sad this is !"

The next commented, "OMG RIP LEGEND MARILIA, YOU WILL BE MISSED." A commenter tweeted, "Sending love and prayers to Marilia family, to her loved ones and to all my Brazilian friends, I’m with you." One more added, "This is so sad. I have no words to say. RIP Marilia Mendonça." A person reacted with, "What a tragic night. Que Noite triste. A helicopter crash kills Marilia on her way to concert. #Brazil #RIPMariliaMendonca."