Survivor of 1987 Goiânia Cesium-137 Accident Lucimar das Neves Ferreira Dies in Goiás

Lucimar das Neves Ferreira, who was 14 years old when the September 1987 Goiânia cesium‑137 radiation accident occurred, was found dead on July 25 in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás. The cause of death was not disclosed. His death was announced by the Associação das Vítimas do Césio‑137, which represents survivors and families of the disaster that affected 249 people and resulted in four immediate fatalities.

Lucimar was the brother of Leide das Neves, a child who died weeks after exposure to the radioactive material. Their mother, Lourdes das Neves, recalled the chaotic evacuation of residents after the source was uncovered. Following the incident, the state created the Fundação Leide das Neves Ferreira to monitor long‑term health effects of radiation exposure. Lucimar had reportedly struggled with alcoholism in recent years, as noted by the association’s president Marcelo Santos Neves.

The Goiânia incident remains the largest radiological disaster outside a nuclear power plant, highlighting ongoing concerns about radiation safety and the long‑term impact on survivors and their families.