A bus accident involving the Águia de Marabá under-20 delegation led to the death of physical trainer Hecton Alves on the night of January 15 in Crixás do Tocantins. Coach Ronan Tyezer and several players were injured, and Brazilian Série A clubs expressed solidarity on social media. The Federação Paulista de Futebol announced a minute of silence as tribute.
The Águia de Marabá-PA under-20 delegation was returning to Pará after being eliminated on penalties by Juventude in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior on January 13. On the night of January 15, the bus collided with a stationary truck without signaling on BR-153 in Crixás do Tocantins (TO).
Physical trainer Hecton Alves died at the scene. Coach Ronan Tyezer sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, along with several players, though the club reports no athletes were severely injured as of the latest update.
In an official statement, Águia de Marabá expressed deep sorrow: “Unfortunately, as a result of the accident, we had the death of a member of the technical staff: Hecton Alves, physical trainer of the team. [...] Whose loss causes us immense pain and consternation. In this moment of sadness, we express our solidarity to family, friends, colleagues, and all who suffer from this irreparable loss.”
Série A clubs, including Santos, Botafogo, Atlético-MG, Bahia, Palmeiras, and Corinthians, posted messages of condolence on social media. Botafogo, for instance, stated: “Botafogo deeply regrets the news of the accident involving the bus of the Águia de Marabá Under-20 team, our first opponent in the 2025 Copinha, which caused the death of Hecton Alves.” Bahia also showed solidarity: “Our solidarity to @MarabaAguia and its fans, as well as family and friends of the members of the Pará club's delegation.”
The Federação Paulista de Futebol, organizer of the Copinha, issued a note: “The Federação Paulista de Futebol deeply regrets the accident involving the bus of the Águia de Marabá delegation on the night of Thursday, January 15, which claimed the life of Hecton Alves. [...] A minute of silence will be observed in all Copinha 2025 matches, as well as in the next round of the Paulistão Casas Bahia.”
