Former Botafogo striker Tássio Maia dies in Rio wall collapse

Former Brazilian forward Tássio Maia dos Santos, 41, who played for Botafogo and had a stint with Greek side Anagennisi Epaminondas in the 2011‑12 season, was killed when a wall collapsed during a severe storm in Rio de Janeiro. The collapse occurred on the afternoon of 29 July in the Santa Teresa district, near a historic mansion used for weddings and overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Strong winds of up to 120 km/h caused the wall to fall, crushing Maia and also resulting in five other fatalities.

Botafogo released a statement expressing deep condolences to Maia’s family, friends and former teammates. The storm caused widespread power outages and transport disruptions across Rio and parts of São Paulo.