Omanghana
Colombian beauty influencer Sofia Murillo, her mother and grandmother were among four people killed in a sightseeing helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 8, 2026.
The 17-year-old content creator died alongside her mother, 37-year-old Wendy Manrique, and her grandmother, Rocio Cubillos, 59. The helicopter’s licensed Brazilian pilot, Alessandro Rocha, was also killed.
The four-seat Robinson R44, operated by local tour company Voo Rio Panorâmico, reportedly crashed into a steep and densely forested section of Tijuca National Park near the Vista Chinesa overlook. The aircraft exploded upon impact, leaving no survivors.
The family had travelled from Bogotá, Colombia, to celebrate a relative’s 15th birthday. As part of the visit, they booked a 20-minute helicopter tour offering aerial views of Rio de Janeiro, including the famous Christ the Redeemer statue.
Because the helicopter could carry only three passengers, the relatives were divided into two groups. Sofia, her mother and grandmother boarded the first flight, which departed at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Her uncle, aunt and 15-year-old cousin remained at the hangar while waiting for the next scheduled flight. They reportedly learned about the crash through local news coverage.
Emergency crews faced considerable difficulty reaching the wreckage because of the area’s steep cliffs, thick vegetation and remote location. Firefighters reportedly used specialized ropes and climbing techniques to access the crash site and conduct recovery operations.
Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police and Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Centre, known as Cenipa, have opened investigations to establish the cause of the accident.
A legal representative for Voo Rio Panorâmico said the helicopter’s maintenance records were up to date and that the company possessed valid permits for its sightseeing operations. Investigators have not yet announced what caused the aircraft to crash.
Sofia had built an online following of more than 250,000 people across TikTok and Instagram. She was known for sharing makeup tutorials, hairstyling guides and candid reviews of cosmetic products.
Following confirmation of her death, fans posted emotional messages beneath her final social media updates, published on August 5. Many remembered the young influencer for her encouraging personality and the positive effect her content had on their confidence and self-esteem.
Source: Omanghana
