Maria Eduarda Pinheiro was found ejected from the overturned BMW – she died despite paramedics trying to revive her for the best part of an hour
Brazil: Video shows advertising executive partying shortly before her death
The final moments of a 21-year-old advertising executive’s life were spent dancing at a private boat party just hours before she was killed in a horrific crash in a pal’s BMW.
The accident happened on August 21, on the BR-020 highway in the Federal District of Brazil after the group had spent the night at Lake Paranoa. Firefighters said the BMW overturned on a curve. Maria Eduarda Pinheiro was ejected from the car and found in cardiac arrest.
Paramedics who arrived at the scene tried to revive Maria Eduarda for 50 minutes. Sadly, she did not survive. The driver of the BMW was identified as 23-year-old Flavio Viana who suffered suspected head trauma and was rushed unconscious to Hospital de Base in a critical condition.
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Two other women, named as 20-year-old Grazielly Mendes and 19-year-old Leticia, were also taken to Sobradinho Regional Hospital in a stable condition.
Another young woman was transported to Paranoa Regional Hospital also in a stable condition. One witness who had been at the party but left in a different car said everyone had been drinking and that the victims planned to get food after leaving the boat.
She said the group had been invited to hang out as usual and left the lake at around 4am before the crash took place a few hours later. Video footage recorded during the party shows Maria Eduarda laughing and dancing alongside another young woman.
Maria Eduarda, known to friends as Madu, would have turned 22 in October. She worked as a director at a marketing company where Flavio was also an employee.
Her father, 53-year-old Edson Marinho, said she was an excellent communicator who always stood out in her work and friendships. Her burial took place at Campo da Esperanca Cemetery in Asa Sul on 22nd August.
Police at the 2nd Precinct in Asa Norte are investigating and are questioning witnesses and survivors to determine how the BMW overturned and whether alcohol was involved.
The BR-020 highway where the crash occurred has been one of the most dangerous roads in the region with 117 deaths recorded between 2017 and May 2025.