The Brazilian music scene mourns the tragic loss of Adalto Mello, the beloved 39-year-old pagode singer, who was killed by a drunk driver on August 29, 2023. The horrific accident took place around 2:38 AM on Avenida Tupiniquins in the Japuí neighborhood of São Vicente, São Paulo.
Adalto was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by Thiago Arruda Campos Rosas, 32, who was driving under the influence. Eyewitness reports and security footage reveal the driver speeding and performing reckless maneuvers just moments before the crash, which ended Mello's life.
According to the Brazilian news outlet G1, Adalto Mello was not only known for his vibrant music career but was also remembered as a devoted father, leaving behind his 10-year-old son following the tragic incident. His mother, Carla Vanessa De Mello Almeida, shared the pain of their loss, stating, "Meu neto está em casa, ele veio passar as férias com a gente. Não sei mais o que fazer para consolar ele, porque ele grita: ‘Meu pai, meu pai’." Her heartfelt lamentation captures the deep sense of grief felt by all who loved him.
Carla related Adalto's dedication to music, recalling, "Ele era trabalhador, trabalhava [de dia] e à noite chegava em casa, tomava banho, jantava e ia fazer pagode." This reveals the singer's relentless passion for his craft, balancing work and his love for music.
Adalto, who was also commemorated as the family’s eldest son, embodied qualities of kindness and faith, according to his mother's memories. She stated, "Ele tinha defeitos, todo mundo tem, nós estamos encarnados, mas o Adalto tinha o coração puro, uma dignidade, uma honestidade." Adalto was known for his warm character, bringing joy to those around him.
The night of the incident became infamous after it was reported by several outlets including SBT News and VTV, which revealed details about the driver, Thiago, who had been enjoying a year-end celebration with friends just hours prior. Thiago's social media revealed evidence of his drinking, as he was seen holding what appeared to be alcoholic beverages during the gathering, posting, "Aquela resenha de fim de ano."
After the accident, law enforcement arrived to examine the scene, only to find Adalto unresponsive. Initial police reports classified the case as homicide culposo, indicating no intention to kill. Yet, as investigations progressed, authorities charged Thiago with homicide doloso, indicating he assumed the risk of causing harm by driving under the influence.
According to the report from SBT News, Thiago's blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 0.82 mg of alcohol per liter of breath, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 0.04 mg/l. The evidence presented clear signs of intoxication, with witnesses noting his slurred speech and unsteady movements.
Beyond the statistics of the incident, the community has come together to honor Adalto’s memory. Family and friends have initiated fundraising efforts online to cover the costs for his funeral, reflecting the collective mourning for their lost loved one.
Adalto’s mother emphasized the strength of her son's spirit, recalling his deep-seated faith, saying, “Eu falei: ‘Filho, cuidado, você vai sozinho?’. Ele respondia: ‘Não estou sozinho, eu estou com Deus’.” Her words paint a picture of the comfort he found through his beliefs, which continue to inspire those left behind.
The memory of Adalto Mello will live on through his music and the love shared among his family and friends. His untimely death serves not only as a personal loss to those who knew him but as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drunk driving. The legacy left behind is filled with the songs he wrote and the love he spread to all who met him.