Elderly man swept away by current crossed creek every day to sell cheese in MG
An elderly farmer in Brazil tragically drowned while crossing a creek to sell cheese, leading to a community outpouring of grief.
In a tragic incident in João Pinheiro, Minas Gerais, 72-year-old farmer Edson Paulino was swept away by the strong currents of the Santo Antônio creek while crossing on horseback to sell his cheese. He had a daily routine of traversing the creek to reach his uncle and then head into town for sales. However, on January 21, when he failed to arrive at his uncle's house, concern arose and a search began for his whereabouts. Witness testimonies indicate that the creek's water levels were significantly higher than usual due to recent rains, which likely contributed to the accident. Eight days later, Edson's body was recovered in Santa Fé de Minas, approximately 200 kilometers from where he was last seen. His disappearance and subsequent death have shocked the local community, where he was well-known not just for his cheese, but for his warm personality and familial ties. Edson is remembered fondly by his daughter, Edna Vanessa de Oliveira, who described him as a wonderful father and a dedicated farmer. His loyal customers in the area also expressed their sorrow at the loss of a man who had become a beloved figure in their lives. As details of the incident emerged, it not only highlighted the hazards posed by the environment during rainy seasons but also raised concerns regarding the safety of individuals who depend on potentially dangerous routes for their livelihoods.