Overview

• The crash happened around 5 a.m. on Estrada Velha de Indaiatuba/Rodovia Lix da Cunha in the Nossa Senhora de Lourdes area, according to São Paulo’s road department.
• Local reporting says she was driving a friend’s car, lost control on an uphill stretch just after a curve, and the vehicle overturned.
• She was ejected because she was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene as firefighters attempted to assist; traffic controls were lifted by about 8:30 a.m.
• The 27-year-old friend who owns the car sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hospital Mário Gatti, and firefighters noted she showed signs of intoxication, with no confirmation about alcohol use by the driver.
• Public mourning followed, with Brazil forward Kerolin Nicolli posting a tribute on Instagram and saying she will help care for Rafaela’s daughter “Xulinha”; Rafaela had about 20.6 thousand followers.