A bus carrying a Brazilian football team flipped on a road south of Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, killing three people and injuring at least six, authorities said.
Local media reported the three dead were players from the American football team the Coritiba Crocodiles of the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba.
The three men were later named by the team on social media as Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros and Lucas Padilha.
Barros was a 20-year-old wide receiver for the team, who had also captained the U20s national team.
He posted recently on social media from the NFL’s first ever Brazil game, as the sport continues to enjoy a meteoric rise in the country.
Lucas Barros (left, pictured with his girlfriend) was one of the victims of the horror bus crash
A vigil was held for the three Coritiba Crocodiles on Saturday night after the deadly accident
The team was headed Saturday to Rio de Janeiro, where they were set to play in the country’s American football championship. But the game was canceled following the deadly accident.
Photos circulating on local news sites and social media show the damaged bus laying on its side in the middle of the road.
‘Our hearts are heavy with grief, and we ask everyone to send their prayers and positive energy,’ the Coritiba Crocodiles said in a statement Saturday. ‘In the face of this tragedy, all our efforts are focused on supporting the team members and their loved ones.
The injured were being treated in a hospital and local authorities said they will investigate the cause of the crash.
Posting on social media, the team said: ‘It is with deep regret that we receive the news of the tragic accident involving the Croco de Curitiba team.
‘Among the victims, we mourn the loss of Lucas Barros, a player who has already worn our shirt and who will always be remembered fondly by the American football community in Goiânia.
Barros captained the U20s national team and recently attended the first NFL game in Brazil
‘Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all involved at this time of sorrow. We wish you strength and our sincere condolences.
Staff member Felip Muniz, who was understood to have been with the team, wrote on Instagram: ‘Lucas, Penguin, and Captain, still can’t believe you’re gone. Yesterday, unfortunately, was the day to say goodbye to three brothers.
‘Our hearts are broken not to have you here with us anymore. You will be forever remembered for the amazing people you were!
‘Thank you so much for giving me the honor to live unique moments with you and know that we will represent you here, on and off the [grass]. We have your back from above! The sky sure is brighter today! I LOVE YOU BOTH!!’
