In a tragic incident that has shocked the community of São Caetano do Sul, two young women lost their lives after being struck by a car while crossing a pedestrian crosswalk on Wednesday night, April 9, 2025. The victims, 18-year-olds Isabela Priel Regis and Isabelli Helena de Lima Costa, were reportedly celebrating Isabelli's upcoming first job when the accident occurred around 11 PM on Avenida Goiás in the Santo Antônio neighborhood.
According to security camera footage, the young women were crossing the street when the traffic light was red for pedestrians. Eyewitnesses described the driver, Brendo dos Santos Sampaio, 26, as speeding and racing against another vehicle just moments before the collision. Witnesses reported that the Honda Civic, driven by Sampaio, was traveling at high speed, estimated between 60 km/h and 70 km/h, despite the road's speed limit being set at 60 km/h.
The impact of the collision was devastating; both women were thrown over 50 meters from the point of impact. Emergency services arrived quickly, but tragically, both Isabela and Isabelli were pronounced dead at the scene. The police investigation revealed that Sampaio had just left class at the Universidade de São Caetano do Sul and was driving home when the accident occurred.
In a statement to the police, Sampaio claimed he did not see the two women crossing the street and believed he was driving within the legal speed limit. However, the São Paulo State Secretariat of Public Security stated that video evidence indicated he was indeed speeding. A breathalyzer test administered at the scene showed that he was not under the influence of alcohol.
The case has been classified as homicide with eventual intent, as Sampaio's actions were deemed extremely reckless. The police report noted that he engaged in a dangerous practice known as 'racha' or street racing, which significantly contributed to the tragic outcome.
Witnesses reported seeing Sampaio's Honda Civic racing alongside a white Onix shortly before the accident. One witness recounted, "I was overtaken by the Honda Civic at very high speed. When we stopped at a traffic light, I saw it rev up and take off as soon as the light turned green, racing against the other car." This account has raised questions about the involvement of the second vehicle in the incident.
Following the accident, Sampaio was taken into custody and appeared before a judge for a custody hearing on Thursday, April 10, 2025. His legal team has characterized the event as a tragic accident, arguing that Sampaio did not intend to harm anyone. His lawyer, Francisco Ferreira, stated, "He did not observe the victims crossing, and he provided assistance immediately after the incident. We await the court's decision on his custody." Ferreira further emphasized that Sampaio does not consume alcohol or drugs.
Family members of the victims expressed their grief and disbelief. Claudilene Helena de Lima, Isabelli's mother, shared the heartbreaking news that her daughter was set to begin a new job as a young apprentice on April 14, 2025. "They were very close friends, inseparable. They graduated high school together and were excited about the future. This should have been a moment of celebration, not tragedy," she lamented.
Marcos Antônio dos Santos Régis, Isabela's father, described his daughter as the "most joyful part of the family." He expressed profound sorrow, stating, "It's a piece of me that has been taken away. She had her whole life ahead of her." The families of the victims have also reported being approached by lawyers representing Sampaio, who offered condolences and support.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many residents noting that street racing is a common occurrence on Avenida Goiás. Local authorities are under pressure to address this dangerous behavior and enhance safety measures for pedestrians.
As the investigation continues, the families of Isabela and Isabelli are left to grapple with their loss and seek justice for the young women who had their lives tragically cut short. The community mourns alongside them, hoping that such a devastating incident will prompt necessary changes to ensure the safety of all who use the roads.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant and prioritize safety on the roads. The lives of two promising young women were lost in an instant, serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving.
