Rio Closes Urca Trail as Search for Missing 70-Year-Old Professor Intensifies

Overview

• Antônio Petraglia, a retired 70-year-old UFRJ professor with Alzheimer’s, vanished Sunday during a routine walk that began in Flamengo.
• A geolocation app placed him on the Morro da Urca trail around 5:23–5:30 p.m. before the signal stopped, prompting his wife to alert rescuers near 8 p.m.
• Searches have surpassed 35 hours, with about 30 firefighters combing trails, forested areas and the costão using thermal drones, Bloodhound dogs, a helicopter and maritime units.
• The city closed the Pista Cláudio Coutinho and the Morro da Urca trail to secure operations, and an advanced command post is coordinating teams near the access point.
• The family is on site appealing for information; Petraglia was last seen in a gray athletic shirt, black shorts and sneakers, and he carries a small ID chain.