Sofia Murillo died alongside her family members during a sightseeing flight in Rio de Janeiro.
A 17-year-old beauty influencer has died alongside her mother and grandmother after their sightseeing helicopter crashed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sofia Murillo, a Colombian social media creator known for beauty tips and cosmetic content, was visiting Brazil with her family when the helicopter went down near the Vista Chinesa overlook on August 8. Her mother, Wendy Manrique, 37, and grandmother Rocio Cubillos, 59, were also killed in the crash, along with the pilot Alessandro Rocha.
Murillo had built a following of more than 250,000 people across Instagram and TikTok. She had shared her final TikTok video just three days before the fatal accident.
Family Was On A Sightseeing Flight
The family had booked the helicopter tour as part of their vacation in Brazil. The flight was supposed to give them aerial views of some of Rio's most famous landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer.
The helicopter crashed in a remote, heavily wooded area near Vista Chinesa. The difficult terrain made rescue operations particularly challenging, while a fire broke out after the crash. Authorities are still investigating what caused the accident.
According to reports, the aircraft had been properly maintained, and the pilot was licensed. No official cause has been established at this stage.
Oliver Tree Connection Raises Fresh Questions
The tragedy comes just weeks after another deadly helicopter accident in Rio de Janeiro.
On June 14, two helicopters collided in midair over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes area. Six people died in the accident, including American singer Oliver Tree and an Argentine YouTuber. Both aircraft were reportedly in regular operating condition, while the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
That makes Sofia Murillo's death the second fatal helicopter accident in Rio in roughly two months. The incidents have renewed concerns about helicopter flights in the city, which are popular with tourists looking to see Rio's landmarks from above.
Following the latest crash, Rio's mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, has called for increased oversight of helicopter flights. However, it is still too early to determine whether the two accidents are connected or whether they point to a broader safety problem with tourist flights in Brazil.
Murillo's death has since prompted an outpouring of tributes from her followers, with fans remembering the teenager for her beauty and lifestyle content.
What do you think about the tragic accident in Rio? Let us know in the comments!
