Brazilian Community In Sacramento Heartbroken Over Plane Crash In Colombia
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The plane crash that killed 71 people including members of a Brazilian soccer team in Colombia is under investigation.
Investigators say the pilots requested a priority landing at 15,000 feet while flying over the mountains of Colombia.
Officials say the weather conditions were poor at the time. Six people survived the crash. The soccer club team was set to play Wednesday in Colombia.
The emotional pain of this plane crash has been felt across the world including with Brazilians in the Sacramento region.
As Colombian authorities search for answers into Monday night's crash, the community is searching for comfort.
"My heart is broken as a Brazilian. We never expected something like that," said Saara Burga, the executive director of Brazilian Cultural Center in Sacramento.
On Tuesday, there was an outpouring of love and support with phone calls, cards and flowers being dropped off throughout the day.
But also a great sense of loss for a team that Brazil soccer fans are so proud of.
"To see their life cut so short like that, it just leaves a big hole in your heart," said Burga.
Burga was born in Brazil but has been in the states for the last 25 years.
The soccer team had just earned a spot in the finals of one of South Americas most prestigious regional tournaments.
"It's something very meaningful and deep to the Brazilian culture. Soccer is almost like the bread-and-butter of Brazil," said board president Miguel Castillo.
Meanwhile, as the grief is felt around the world, Sac Republic FC Goalkeeper Evan Newton says it hits close to home.
"It's a tough day for soccer, for football and athletics in general. We just send our condolences to the family's and friends wish them the best and hopefully some comfort," said Newton.
The players may have lost their lives, but for their fans say they will always live on.
"The names, the things they've done, we'll always be proud of them," said Burga.
