A young social media personality's life ended tragically moments after sharing what would become his final Instagram story.
According to the Daily Mail, João Chagas, a 22-year-old Brazilian influencer and events organizer, died following a devastating jet ski collision in São Vicente, São Paulo.
The incident occurred last Friday when Chagas's jet ski collided head-on with another watercraft operated by 44-year-old Sinair de Amorim near a local marina. Witnesses reported that Chagas had been consuming alcohol and operating his jet ski at high speeds before the accident. His final Instagram post showed him holding a champagne glass, posted mere minutes before the fatal crash.
De Amorim, who survived the crash with a fractured rib, provided his account of the sudden impact. He was returning to shore when the collision occurred.
De Amorim shared his experience with TV Tribuna, stating:
Suddenly out of nowhere, I just felt the blow. I don't know where it came from or what happened. I fell into the water half dazed. When I got up, I just saw a bunch of jet ski parts scattered around. I still didn't understand what happened.
The impact caused severe injuries to Chagas's skull, cervical spine, and chest. Emergency responders attempted to revive him for 30 minutes before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Luciana Batista, a DJ and publicist who had known Chagas since childhood, remembered him as a charismatic figure who attracted crowds wherever he went.
According to Batista, Chagas had recently fulfilled his dream of traveling to Europe, visiting various cities including Paris, Helsinki, Riga, and Amsterdam in April. The trip represented a significant milestone in the young influencer's life.
The 22-year-old had built a reputation as a successful events organizer, known for his reliability and problem-solving abilities. His magnetic personality drew many followers and admirers.
The São Vicente city government released an official statement confirming the details of the accident and Chagas's death. The incident has sparked discussions about watercraft safety and alcohol consumption during recreational activities.
The collision resulted in extensive damage to both jet skis, with debris scattered across the water. The tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with operating watercraft while under the influence of alcohol.
The untimely death of João Chagas has left a void in Brazil's social media community. His influence extended beyond his online presence, touching many lives through his event organization work and personal connections.
The tragic incident underscores the devastating consequences of mixing alcohol with watercraft operation, cutting short the life of a promising young influencer who had just begun to realize his dreams.