World4 min(s) read
Man, 48, dies after plunging into father’s grave in freak cemetery accident as horrifying details emerge
A man was pronounced dead after he fell into his father’s grave in Brazil in what appeared to be a freak accident.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, when Adilson Marsaro, 48, attended the funeral of a friend who had passed away in a road accident at São José Municipal Cemetery in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo.
According to SUR, Marsaro left the service and went to his father’s final resting place. He was sitting on top of the concrete gravestone when it suddenly collapsed, causing him to descend into the grave shaft below.
People nearby heard a loud crash and contacted emergency services, who rushed to the scene.
Firefighters pulled the man's body from the collapsed grave, but medical responders confirmed he had died at the scene.
.jpg_F1DmUN?tr=cr-0.0.724.483,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
The victim has been identified locally as the husband of a Linhares municipal council employee.
A gravedigger told Brazilian outlet O Globo that when Marsaro arrived at the cemetery, he greeted those present, asked where his friend was to be buried, and left his motorcycle and helmet at the site.
Linhares Council issued a statement, which read: "We regret the incident that occurred yesterday afternoon at Sao Jose Cemetery in the Interlagos neighbourhood and express our solidarity with the family and friends at this time of grief."
"The team that works inside the cemetery which was on site called the Samu ambulance service and the fire brigade but despite their efforts to save this man, the victim unfortunately passed away," they said.
The council urged people to exercise "extra precautions" when visiting the São José Cemetery, where nearly 18,000 people are buried, especially with the upcoming All Souls' Day, when graveyards will be busier than usual.
In Brazil, All Souls’ Day, known as Dia de Finados, is a national holiday observed every year on November 2 to remember, honor, and pray for late loved ones.
The council said: "With the approach of the All Souls’ Day holiday, there is an expectation of increased activity in the cemeteries of the municipality. Therefore, the council emphasises the importance of taking extra care during visits."
An investigation into Marsaro’s death is ongoing.
Brazilian college president killed in a separate freak accident
Marsaro's death came just five days after another Brazilian man, Rogério Renato Mateucci, was killed in an unrelated accident while touring Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West home in Arizona.
The 55-year-old, who worked as the rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR) in Brazil, tragically died after he was struck by a chunk of material dislodged by strong winds at around 2PM on Friday (October 16).
No foul play is suspected, and police are investigating the death as a weather-related accident, as the wind gusts had reached up to 32mph that fateful day.
Taliesin West was Wright’s winter home and desert laboratory from 1937 until his passing in 1959. It is now the official headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
The foundation issued a statement about the president's untimely death on Facebook, which read: "The Foundation extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who died Friday, October 16, following an accident at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.
"The Scottsdale Police Department is aware of the incident, and no further details will be shared out of respect for privacy and to allow officials to complete their work. The property is closed to the public until further notice," they added.
The late academic, who had been PUCPR’s most senior official since 2022, held numerous degrees, including a doctorate from Fordham University in educational leadership.
"The University announces, with deep sorrow, the passing of the Magnificent Rector, Brother Rogério Renato Mateucci, which occurred on October 16, 2026, in Scottsdale, United States," Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná wrote alongside a picture of Mateucci on Instagram.
"As a sign of mourning, classes at the Curitiba, Londrina, and Toledo campuses are canceled on October 17th and 19th," the statement continued. "On Monday (October 19th), administrative work will also be suspended."
The university also announced that a Mass in remembrance of the professor was scheduled for Monday, with funeral arrangements to follow after his body has arrived in Brazil.