Chapecoense honors victims in deed five years after tragedy

a Chapecoense Tonight was held in honor of the victims of the plane crash that killed 71 people, including players, administrators, members of the coaching staff, guests and crew, ahead of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana final against Atlético Nacional. The tragedy turned five years ago this past Sunday, November 28.

The tribute was held at the Arena Conda, in Chapeco, and was attended by missionary Dave Leonardo and other guests. The “Forever Memorable” event was designed by family members of the accident victims.

Also honored were those killed in the covid-19 pandemic – former Chape president Ricardo Magro died of illness in December last year.

Last Sunday, Chapecoense already received several honors. Atletico Nacional, who wanted an opponent for the Brazilian national team in the South American final five years ago, wanted to publish a blog post on social networks highlighting the relationship between the clubs: “Friendship is forever”.

Remember the accident

On November 28, 2016, the plane of the Chapecoense delegation bound for Medellin, Colombia, crashed a few kilometers from the city where the club will play the first match of the Copa Sudamericana final against Atlético Nacional. The flight had taken off from Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia.

71 people died in the tragedy, including athletes, board members, coaching staff and crew. Six people survived the accident, including goalkeeper Jackson Follman, defender Neto and full-back Alan Rochelle – of these, only Rochelle is still active in the football.