Singer Mauri Lima, brother of Chitãozinho and Xororó and duo partner of Maurício, died at age 55 in a traffic accident on the Rodovia Régis Bittencourt in Miracatu (SP) on Sunday (December 7). The artist was returning from a performance in Curitiba when the van he was traveling in collided with a truck after the driver suffered a sudden illness. Another team member also died at the scene.
Mauri Lima, 55, died on the afternoon of Sunday (December 7) in a tragic accident on BR-116 at km 372.7 in Miracatu (SP), heading toward São Paulo. The sertanejo singer, who had been dueting with his brother Maurício for 35 years, was in the front passenger seat of the van that collided with a truck. The driver suffered a sudden illness, causing the crash, which also killed another unidentified team member. Five people sustained moderate injuries, and one had minor wounds. The highway was blocked for hours, causing a 17 km backup, and was cleared around 6:40 p.m.
Born in 1970 in Mauá (SP), Mauri lived in Indaiatuba (SP) and was married to SBT presenter Andrea Fabyanna. He was the uncle of Sandy and Junior. Before forming the duo, he worked behind the scenes at Chitãozinho and Xororó's shows from 1980 to 1990, as bassist and backing vocalist (Maurício) and in production (Mauri). Two days before the accident, on December 5, brothers Maurício and Mauri performed on the Programa do Ratinho on SBT and released the song 'Paixão ou Loucura' in partnership with Chitãozinho and Xororó.
Chitãozinho and Xororó issued a statement: “It is with deep sadness and immense grief that we announce the passing of Mauri Lima, brother of Chitãozinho and Xororó, in a tragic accident that occurred on the afternoon of this Sunday, December 7. The event is very recent and information is still being investigated and consolidated, but we inform that Maurício is physically well and receiving support. The family thanks everyone for their affection and understanding in respecting this moment of profound pain.”
Mauri’s son, Maury Lima, 29, who was with him on the trip after a show in Curitiba on Saturday (December 6), posted on Instagram: “I understand everyone's concern, I am very grateful, but at the moment I ask that you don't call me, thank you for the prayers. Now is the time to be with my family and try to understand everything that happened. I am physically well. I just ask that you pray and give thanks for having known the person I admired most in my entire life.” In a tribute, he wrote: “Dad, thank you for teaching me everything I know. Your story is beautiful and I promise to continue your legacy. You, up there, will take care of being proud of me. I love you always and forever.”
Images of the accident, released by journalist Lisa Gomes, show the severity of the collision. The family requests privacy during this time of mourning, as circumstances are investigated by the Federal Highway Police.
