In an unfortunate tragedy, Brazilian country singer Marilia Mendonca was killed on Friday along with her manager and aide when the Beechcraft King Air C90A jet they were travelling in crashed in the state of Minas Gerais. Mendonca's representatives released an official statement about the shocking incident informing that the singer, her producer, Henrique Ribeiro, aide Abicieli Silveira Dias Filho, including both the pilot and co-pilot died in the crash. The 26-year-old singer, who rose to fame in the Brazilian country music style "sertanejo", had departed from the midwestern city of Goiania to Caratinga where she was scheduled to perform in a concert later on Friday, news website G1 has reported. 

Authorities told the media that Mendonca's jet probably came into contact with an electrical tower a few miles away from the Caratinga airport. However, it remains unclear whether the accident was caused as a result of such a collision or if the plane was on its way down already, with officials still investigating the scene. Mendonca's body was flown to the central city of Goiania, where thousands of heartbroken fans paid their condolences at her casket before she was laid to rest. 

The 2019 Latin Grammy winner, known for her soaring voice and love melodies and ballads, broke into the country music industry that was mostly dominated by men. She carved a niche for herself in the sub-genre "feminejo", popularly known as "sertanejo", with her fan following comprising both men and women. The news of Marilia Mendonca's death has drawn heartfelt tributes from leading personalities in Brazil, including President Jair Bolsonaro, music legend Caetano Veloso and football superstar Neymar, who dedicated a goal from his recent match.