A Brazilian died and an American was injured after being struck by lightning on Thursday (27) during a bike ride on a mountain in Cusco, in . Yuri Botelho, 36 years old, was born in but lived in Minnesota, in the with his wife and son.
Botelho and his friend, James Fernandez, 41, were cycling in the Occoruro-Chimpahuaylla region, close to the border between the cities of and Paruro, when a lightning storm started and hit them. The duo was accompanied by tour guide Dani Peralta, 35.
A police team received an alert and went to the location, where they found Peralta uninjured. The Brazilian’s body was in the middle of the vegetation, already lifeless, while Fernandez was found injured on the side of the road. The American was taken to the hospital.
The Brazilian was the son of the former councilor of São Mateus (ES), Chiquinho Botelho, who stated that his son will be cremated in Lima and that the ashes will be sent to Minneapolis. In a post on social media, Chiquinho lamented the loss, but said he was grateful for “all the joys he brought us”.
“He was an angel in our lives and will continue to take care of us in heaven. A pure heart and constant joy guided his life. He loved sport and discipline”, he wrote. “His premature departure broke my heart, but he himself will comfort us with his memories.”
Chiquinho also shared a photo of Botelho next to his son, in the last record of the Brazilian alive. “How happy I was to say that I loved you every time we had contact,” he said.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
