Gracinda Marina Castelo da Silva, a 48-year-old Portuguese citizen, was one of the victims of the plane crash that killed 62 people in Brazil, the Foreign Ministry said. The woman, a university professor, was traveling with her husband. The couple has three children.
Degree in Chemical Engineering from The State University of Western Paraná in Gracinda specialized in this field, obtaining a master’s degree and a doctorate from the Federal University of San Carlos. He currently teaches at the Federal Technological University of Paraná.
On the flight in which she died, Gracinda was accompanied by Nelvio José Huebner, to whom she had been married for 25 years.
“Nelvio began his career at the Toledo City Hall on 02/05/2011 and worked as a municipal prosecutor. Gracinda worked as a professor at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR). They were married for 25 years and are survived by three children. and hundreds of colleagues who admired them personally and professionally,” the Toledo City Hall said in a statement.
Given the couple’s public role, the reaction on social media was swift. “Very shocking, wonderful teacher Gracinda Marina. I met her recently and was very shocked to receive this news. Peace to her soul,” read one comment on the post.
“I still can’t come to terms with the fact that this happened to my friend Nelvio and Marina… honestly… they didn’t deserve it…”, a Facebook user commented on the Toledo mayor’s post.
Luis Montenegro and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also reacted to the death of the Portuguese citizen. The President of the Republic called the family of the Portuguese woman”based in Brazil, which remains closely linked to Portugal.” The prime minister expressed “deep pain” and sent Sincere condolences to the family.
In addition to her husband, there were also colleagues of the Portuguese woman on the plane. The plane was damaged by dizzying fall before crashing into houses and trees.
“The Federal Technological University of Paraná confirms with great horror and regret the death of two of its professors and their spouses in the tragedy of the Voepass 2283 flight that occurred this Friday in Vinhedo (SP). Also, family members of three other professors and a student of the university were victims,” the university said in a statement.
In memory of the victims, the priest declared three days of mourning for the entire institution. “In this moment of pain, UTFPR sympathizes with the family and friends of Professors Raquel and Gracinda from Hadassah, as well as Professors Araceli, Priscila and Fabio for their losses,” the statement said.
Group saved himself from death by a lucky chance when I was unable to board the flight. All passengers and crew died.