Odiles de Abreu Linhares, an 84-year-old man undergoing treatment for leukemia, tragically died after being hit by a landslide in the Cantagalo neighborhood of Niterói, a city in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro. The incident occurred on February 21, when Linhares went to help a disabled friend trying to cross the street. As he attempted to assist her by pressing a pedestrian signal, a landslide struck, burying his legs and throwing him onto the road. His family expressed their heartbreak and detail the rapid series of events that led to his hospitalization.

After the landslide, Linhares was rushed to the Azevedo Lima State Hospital, where he remained for a week. Despite the medical efforts, he could not overcome the injuries sustained. Friends, clients, and family members have mourned his passing, emphasizing his role as a beloved barber in the community. His loss has left a significant impact on those who knew him, highlighting his commitment to helping others even in perilous circumstances.

The community is now calling on local authorities to address the safety hazards that led to this tragic incident. Many residents claim to have previously requested the stabilization of the hillside to prevent such landslides, pointing to a lack of action from the city’s administration. This incident underscores not only the personal tragedy for Linhares’s family but also raises broader concerns about public safety and emergency preparedness in the region during extreme weather conditions.