Brazilian singer among four missing after helicopter loses contact

A helicopter carrying Brazilian country singer Geraldo António de Carvalho, known by his stage name Rick, and three other people has gone missing in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.

The helicopter lost contact on the evening of September 21 while travelling from Porto Belo to São Joaquim, according to Brazil’s Air Force (FAB). The aircraft did not reach its intended destination, Caliber.Az reports per Brazilian media.

Also on board were a businessman, a cameraman and the pilot. Rick’s press office identified the other passengers as his manager, Bruno Avelar, the manager’s videographer, Paulo Soares, and the pilot.

The FAB said it was activated on Monday afternoon, September 21, to search for the aircraft and its occupants. Search teams are focusing on areas considered most likely to contain the helicopter and are adjusting the operation as new information becomes available.

The area was experiencing heavy rain, strong winds and fog when the helicopter disappeared. Authorities had issued warnings for severe storms, while heavy rainfall has been hampering search efforts by the Brazilian Air Force and fire department.

There has been no confirmation that the helicopter crashed. The aircraft was reportedly last seen flying over the city of Urubici.

Rick performs as part of the sertanejo duo Rick & Renner, which was formed in the 1980s and gained widespread popularity in Brazil in the 1990s. The duo is known for songs including “Ela é demais” and “Nos bares da cidade.”

By Sabina Mammadli