The daughter of renowned football reporter Miguel “Tití” Fernández was killed during a road accident in northern Brazil early this morning. Two individuals were later arrested under suspicion of having caused the crash.
María Soledad Fernández was 26 years old and was also a journalist covering the World Cup. The accident occurred on kilometre 691 of the BR-381 road, close to Oliveiras, while the woman was travelling in a rented car with producers Fernando Bruno and Juan Daniel Berazetegui, who received light injuries.
Brazilian police are investigating whether the crash was an accident, or if the individuals held were trying to commit a robbery against the occupants of Fernández’s vehicle. Thieves in Brazil have been known to crash into a potential victim’s car from behind, an act similar to what happened in this case, in order to stop them to take money and other valuables.
Argentina players subsequently cancelled a news conference the day after their World Cup last 16 victory over Switzerland, to mourn her tragic passing.
«The players are extremely saddened by this death because they also feel affected as they are also children and they also have children themselves,» Argentina Football Association General Secretary Juan Carlos Crespi told reporters.
«She was much loved.»
Team officials and reporters held a minute’s silence, with many in tears and clapping.
«I would like to apologise to media but we will not hold a press conference,» Crespi said. «Old people like me are also affected because children normally bury their parents, not the other way around.»
María Soledad was in her way to Belo Horizonte from Sao Paulo when the rental car she was travelling in had an accident in the BR-381 route.
Only a few days ago, «Tití» posted a picture in his official Twitter account with his daughter kissing him in the cheek. They were celebrating her birthday in Brazil.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald