Latin pop star Gabriel Diniz, 28, dies in plane crash while traveling to see girlfriend for her birthday party
Latin pop star Gabriel Diniz tragically passed away in a plane crash on Monday at the age of 28. The young pop star, best known for his hit song 'Jenifer', was on his way to attend his girlfriend's birthday party when his plane crashed in the town of Porto do Mato in Estância.
As per reports, the Brazillian singer had just wrapped up a show in the state of Bahia in Brazil and departed from Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport for Maceió-Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport when the aircraft suddenly plummeted to the ground.
Diniz was on his way to see his girlfriend, Karoline Calheiro, and attend her birthday party. According to fire officials, three people died in the small plane crash: Diniz and pilots Linaldo Xavier and Abraham Farias. However, the reason for the tragic crash is yet to be known.
A few shocking pictures taken at the crash site show the wreckage of the plane in a river and rescuers pulling bodies from the water.
"It is with great pain that we can confirm the death of Gabriel Diniz and the plane's crew," Gabriel's representatives confirmed on Tuesday.
Local fire department officials responded to the scene immediately and the crash is reportedly still under investigation. Video clips from before the accident have also emerged, which show the singer smiling with the two pilots after boarding the doomed flight.
Tuesday morning saw an emotional wake being held at the Ronaldao Gymnasium in Joao Pessoa where the body of the late singer was displayed in an open casket. He was brought in at 5 am and the body was covered in a thin veil for the ceremony, according to Globo.
At the wake, the singer's father Cizinato Diniz and his girlfriend Karoline could be seen crouching over his half-open casket to look at the late singer. The event was closed for family and friends from 5 am to 8 am, post which, it was opened to the public.
Brazilian singers Wesley Safadao and Xand Aviao spoke before the guests at the wake, paying tribute to the late singer, as did soccer player Roberto Firmino, who plays for Liverpool, in a touching Instagram post.
"There are things that are hard to believe, the chip does not fall. The message of love and joy that you left here on earth was incredible. Glad to have met you. Rest in peace," he wrote.
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