Colombian influencer Sofía Murillo dies in Rio helicopter crash

Sofía Murillo, a 17-year-old Colombian influencer, died on August 8, 2026, when the helicopter she was riding in crashed in Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park. Her mother, Wendy Manrique, 37, and grandmother, Rocío Cubillos, 59, also perished, along with the pilot, Alessandro Rocha. The family was in Brazil to celebrate the 15th birthday of another relative, and the three women were on a panoramic flight when the aircraft went down near Vista Chinesa. Source: El Colombiano

The accident

The Robinson R44 helicopter, operated by Voos Rio Panorâmicos, crashed into dense vegetation around 11:00 a.m. local time. The impact sparked a fire that complicated rescue efforts, and all four occupants died at the scene. Source: Infobae The aircraft had a camera installed to record tourist flights, which has been recovered for analysis. Source: Infobae

The family's ordeal

Because the helicopter only carried three passengers plus the pilot, the family split into two groups. Víctor Manrique, Rocío's son, waited on the ground with his wife and daughter. He told local media that they were not informed of the crash and learned of the tragedy through the internet. Source: Excélsior

Investigation and response

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash. The mayor of Rio, Eduardo Cavaliere, has asked Brazil's civil aviation agency to intensify oversight of helicopter tours, which have grown in popularity. Source: La Vanguardia This is the fifth fatal helicopter accident in the state in a year, following a June collision that killed six people, including singer Oliver Tree. Source: Infobae