Featured Image Credit: Jam Press
Topics: World News
Brenna Cooper
Brazilian cyclist Jaiane Souza Oliveira Fernandes was tragically killed after being crushed by a speaker during the final moments of a race.
Oliveira, 34, was competing in a cycling competition in Baianopolis, Brazil last Sunday (28 July) when she smashed into a sound truck parked next to the track. The impact from the collision would cause one of the speakers on the sound truck to fall on top of her.
Horrified spectators and onsite paramedics rushed over to help the mother-of-two.
She would later die in hospital from her injuries, which are reported to have included serious trauma to the head.
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According to reports from The Mirror and Needtoknow, Oliveira had been close to the finish line when she was forced to swerve after another cyclist appears to pass too close to her.
The sudden manoeuvre caused Oliveira to collide with the truck and a speaker to subsequently fall on her.
It is also understood that a second cyclist had collided with the sound truck but was unharmed by the impact.
Dubai Bikers, who had organised the event, have since shared a public tribute to Oliveira on social media, saying the mum-of-two's death has left a 'deep void' in their hearts.
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"The loss of this special person leaves a deep void in our hearts," the statement read.
"May the memories and legacy bring comfort and strength."
Local police in Brazil are reported to still be investigating the crash, according to The Sun, that the sound truck had been moved by time they had arrived to investigate the scene.
Oliveira's funeral was held the following day with dozens of fellow cyclists in attendance.
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A video shared on Instagram by a local outlet showed a procession of cyclists paying their respects to Oliveira by riding alongside the car carrying her coffin before standing with their bikes to perform a guard of honour for the 34-year-old. According to the post, the tribute was attended by 'around 70 cyclists from various cities in the western region' wishing to pay their respects to Oliveira, who was known for her passion for cycling.
The post added that she had been survived by her husband and twin sons.
As reported by The US Sun, social media users also paid their respects to Oliveira and her family, with one person writing: "What a beautiful and sad tribute at the same time."
"A tribute showing the union of cyclists, it was beautiful even though it was a goodbye," a second person penned.