On Friday, May 16, 2025, a tragic accident on the BR-293 highway in Santana do Livramento, Rio Grande do Sul, claimed the lives of Maria Sophia Dumoncel, 16, and Arthur Dumoncel, 9, the stepchildren of Camila Menezes, daughter of Grêmio football coach Mano Menezes. The vehicle they were in veered off the road and overturned at kilometer 303 of the highway. (Ground News)
A third victim, 42-year-old Maurício Moraes, a psychologist with the Dom Pedrito Department of Labor and Social Development, also perished in the accident. Two other passengers, aged 29 and 23, sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized. (CNN Brasil)
In response to this devastating event, Mano Menezes returned to Porto Alegre to be with his family. Consequently, he was absent from Grêmio’s match against São Paulo on Saturday, May 17, with assistant coach Sidnei Lobo stepping in to lead the team. (ICL Notícias)
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense expressed deep condolences to the Menezes family, extending sympathy to the children’s mother, Mirela Gomez da Costa. The club acknowledged the profound loss and offered support during this difficult time. (CNN Brasil)
The funeral services for Maria Sophia and Arthur were held on Saturday, May 17, at the Municipal Chapel in Dom Pedrito, with burial taking place on Sunday, May 18, at the Santa Rita Cemetery in Santa Maria. (CNN Brasil)
This incident highlights the increasing number of accidents on the BR-293 highway. Prior to this tragedy, the road had already recorded 61 accidents with six fatalities in 2025. With the addition of these three deaths, the toll rose to nine fatalities from 62 accidents, marking a 24% increase in accidents compared to the same period in the previous year. (CNN Brasil)
The loss of Maria Sophia and Arthur has resonated deeply within the football community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support for the Menezes family.(CNN Brasil)
