Fernandão, International idol, dies in helicopter crash

Former striker was 36 and accompanied by four people, with the aircraft crashed on the banks of the Araguaia River, in Goiás                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The former striker Fernandão, one of the biggest idols in the history of International and Goiás, died at around 1pm this Saturday, in Goiás, at age 36. Fernando Lúcio da Costa returned to his home in Arowana, inland town to the capital, located 315km away. Besides Fernandão, were in the helicopter and did not survive four friends: Pete Souza Leme (Alderman Palmeiras de Goiás), Anthony of Padua, Lindomar Mendes Vieira (employee of the farm) and the pilot, identified as Milton Ananias.

Fernandão is the most important players in the history of the International (Photo: Thomas Hammes / GLOBOESPORTE.COM)

- Unfortunately, it's true. I was the first to know. Called me at 5am. Were he and four friends (in the helicopter), all of them died. It's a shame - said the president of the Gaucho Federation, Francisco Novelletto. According to the Civil Police, the aircraft took off from the farm that belonged to Fernandão around 1pm and was found on a sandbar (a small freshwater beach) the banks of the Araguaia River. The crash site is located 15km from the center of Arowana. The former came to be taken to the city hospital, but died shortly after.  - His body is the one who is in the hospital. The others died at the scene. At this time it is very common camp on the banks of the Araguaia, but it is a region whose access is more common by helicopter or boat. Probably, he reached the hospital rescued by boat - said the delegate Norton Ferreira, head of communications of the Civil Police of Goiás Born in Goiania, Fernandão, revealed by Goiás, lived its greatest glories in Colorado. Twice won the Campeonato Gaucho and was one of the leading names in the first Libertadores conquest of Inter, won in 2006. During the same year also lifted the FIFA Club World Cup. Was captain for most of its nearly five years of Inter.