Fatal cemetery accident in Linhares

A man, later identified as 48-year-old Adilson Marsaro, died following an accident at the São José Municipal Cemetery in Linhares, Brazil. The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, while Marsaro was attending the funeral of a close friend who had died in a traffic accident.

Reports indicate that Marsaro stepped away from the service to visit his father’s resting place. When he sat on the concrete gravestone, the structure collapsed, sending him into the open grave shaft below. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise, and although emergency services were dispatched, Marsaro was deceased upon their arrival.

Local authorities, including the Espírito Santo Civil Police and the Prosecutor’s Office, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse. Linhares City Hall issued a statement expressing solidarity with the family and noted that while the municipality is responsible for maintaining common areas, the conservation of individual tomb structures remains the responsibility of the families. Following the accident, officials urged visitors to take extra precautions at the cemetery, which contains nearly 18,000 burials, particularly with the Day of the Dead holiday approaching.