A tragic accident occurred on September 21, 2024, as a bus transporting the Coritiba Crocodiles American football team to a Brazilian American Football League match in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, flipped over on the Presidente Dutra highway. The incident resulted in the death of three team members and injuries to six others.
The local press identified the deceased as Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros, and Lucas Padilha. Barros, 20, was a wide receiver and the captain of Brazil’s U20 national team. In a social media post, team staff member Felip Muniz mourned, “Lucas, Penguin, and Captain, I still can’t believe you’re gone. Yesterday, unfortunately, was the day to say goodbye to three brothers.”
At the time of the accident, the bus was carrying 43 passengers. Photos from the site show the bus lying sideways across the highway. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash, while the injured passengers are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital. The team released a statement expressing their grief and asking for good thoughts and support in this challenging period.
The accident has cast a pall over the growing enthusiasm for American football in Brazil. The sport has seen a surge in popularity in the country, particularly in light of the recent NFL expansion into international markets. Brazil hosted its inaugural NFL game earlier this year, a significant event for both fans and players. The league has been working to establish a foothold in Brazil through initiatives such as flag football leagues, Super Bowl watch parties, and collaborations with local media.
Barros had shared his excitement about the NFL’s first game in Brazil on social media shortly before the accident. His passion for the sport was clear, and his passing has deeply affected the American football community both in Brazil and overseas. The Coritiba Crocodiles organized a vigil at their home ground, Croco Stadium, on the night of the accident to honor the departed. The Brazilian Football Confederation also observed a minute of silence before matches throughout the weekend in tribute to the victims.
The bus company, Princesa dos Campos, issued a statement expressing their condolences and confirmed that they are providing assistance to the families of the victims. The company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has engaged experts to scrutinize the incident further.