Family and friends mourned the death of the Bahians on board

Four of the five victims who died in the accident involving the Embraer-121 Xingu plane were from Bahia and the fifth person also lived in the state. According to João Ferreira Borges, 68 years old, his brother Joseilton Borges had worked as an aircraft mechanic for 36 years and had traveled to Florianópolis with the aim of carrying out maintenance on a company plane. This was a common assignment that the mechanic was not only used to, but also enjoyed.

“He had been at Abaeté for three years and had never had any problems with flights throughout his career. When someone spoke, he said he was more confident on a plane than in a car. He was very passionate about aviation, he was born for it”, he says.

When he wasn’t working, Joseilton divided his time between family, friends and activism. He was married, father of two daughters and president of the Airline Workers Union of Bahia (Sindiaero-BA). For João, he was also an excellent brother and person. “He was always there for everyone who liked him. He was always a happy person, who never denied anything to anyone. The street outside his house today had doubled the number of people wanting to support him, because they liked him. It’s very sad not to have him around anymore”, he emphasizes.

Friend Rebeca Bandeira, one of the founders of Sindiaero-BA alongside Joseilton, councilor Luciana Tavares and activist Kleber Sales, mourned the death of her companion in the labor struggle. “He worked a lot in favor of the working class. He was a very honest and honest man. I received the news of his death with great sadness. It shook my day, because I had him as a friend and brother”, he points out.

State deputy Olívia Santana (PCdoB), who knew Joseilton from the union struggle, paid tribute on social media. “I deeply regret the death of comrade Joseilton Borges, affectionately known as Bicudo […]. He was a cheerful, struggling figure who was excited about progress in his career. He was always aware of the importance of participating in union struggles for social transformation. The loss is great and painful,” he wrote on Instagram.

Copilot from Sergipe chose Salvador to live

Co-pilot Dulcival da Conceição Santos, 39 years old, was born in Sergipe, but lived in Salvador. He had recently achieved his dream of being a pilot, which he had cultivated since childhood. Before that, he worked from an early age to pay for his studies and, for a while, he was a book salesman at a company. According to his cousin Eliane, 30 years old, aviation and family were the priorities in his life.

“His eyes lit up when he recounted each flight he took. He was always happy, he had a very good relationship with his family. […] He was an honest man, he took very good care of his parents and made a point of, even though he lived in Salvador, going to Sergipe to see his parents or pick them up”, he says.

Dulcival’s last posts on the WhatsApp messaging app were made on the day of the accident. In the status, he shared photos in honor of Aviator’s Day. One of them said ‘For many people, the sky is the limit. For those in aviation, the sky is home.”

What is known about the other victims

In addition to Joseilton and Dulcival, on board the plane were commander Jefferson Rodrigues Ferreira, 36, doctor Sylvia Rausch Barreto, 31, and nurse Erisson Silva da Conceição Cerqueira, whose age was not disclosed.

Erisson worked as a nurse at the Portuguese Hospital, but had at least two other jobs on the side. He was single and had no children. On Thursday afternoon (24), the hospital issued a note of condolence over his death.

“With great regret, we announce the passing of Erisson Silva da Conceição Cerqueira, Nurse III, from ICU sector 4, last Wednesday (10/23). Erisson will be remembered for his dedication, professionalism and care for patients, leaving a legacy of empathy, commitment and excellence in healthcare,” said the statement.

Doctor Sylvia Rausch Barreto, 31 years old, was born in Pedra Azul (MG), but had lived in Salvador since she was a child. She graduated from Unime. She was single and, in addition to being a doctor, she was a partner in an electronics store. The report attempted to contact people close to the victim, but received no response.

Commander Jefferson Rodrigues Ferreira, 36 years old, was born in Guanambi, in southwestern Bahia. He was married, had no children and had been a pilot for 13 years. The report was also unable to speak to Jefferson’s family.