By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-10 19:58:28 | Updated at 2026-08-10 21:43:13
5 hours ago
Seventeen-year-old influencer Sofia Murillo has passed away after she got into a helicopter crash while on vacation in Brazil.
Murillo, from Bogota, Colombia, had built more than 208,000 followers on TikTok by often sharing her beauty tips and reviewing skincare and cosmetic products.
According to reports, she passed away on August 8 alongside her mother, Wendy Manrique, 37, and grandmother Rocio Cubillos, 59, after their helicopter crashed near Rio de Janeiro.
The helicopter's pilot, Alessandro Rocha, also reportedly died.
Murillo's uncle Victor Manrique told outlet G1 that the family was in Brazil on vacation and that they had booked a 20-minute helicopter ride around the iconic Christ the Redeemer through local tour agency Voo Rio Panorâmico.
The aircraft reportedly went down in Tijuca Forest, a heavily wooded area near Vista Chinesa.
Murillo, her mom and grandmother departed at 11am while the rest of the family waited behind to take the next flight.
It's unclear what caused the crash and the investigation is still ongoing.
17-year-old influencer Sofia Murillo has passed away after she got into a helicopter crash while on vacation in Brazil
According to reports, she passed away on August 8 alongside her mother, Wendy Manrique, 37, and grandmother Rocio Cubillos, 59, after their helicopter crashed near Rio de Janeiro. Seen is the aftermath of the crash
G1 reported that a camera recording the cabin during the flight was recovered by firefighters and handed over to investigators.
According to the National Civil Aviation Agency, the helicopter had a valid certificate and was authorized to conduct sightseeing flights.
Murillo's final post was shared last Wednesday – three days before her death – and showcased her gym routine.
Tributes have been pouring in from her friends, family members and fans.
'My dear Sofia, I found out what happened a few hours ago; I don't know how to express myself or what to say, but I know I will always miss you,' wrote one friend.
'You were - and always will be - my best friend, my comfort and my joy. I will always be grateful for that because you were the friend I had wanted my whole life, and now I know you will be the happiest princess in heaven.
'Go and laugh, jump and be happy because I know you are in a better place now - God's princess.
'I am at peace, my princess, because I know you achieved all your dreams, and I was actually a part of them.
Murillo, from Bogota, Colombia, had built more than 208,000 followers on TikTok by often sharing her beauty tips and skincare secrets
Tributes have been pouring in from her friends, family members and fans
Murillo's uncle Victor Manrique told outlet G1 that the family was in Brazil on vacation and that they had booked a 20-minute helicopter ride around the iconic Christ the Redeemer through local tour agency Voo Rio Panorâmico. The family is seen in Brazil
The aircraft reportedly went down in Tijuca Forest, a heavily wooded area near Vista Chinesa. Seen is the aftermath of the crash
'Thank you for choosing me, for coming into my life, for supporting me and for being the one who taught me what true friendship is.'
Another loved one shared an emotional message that read: 'Thank you, God, for allowing my family to experience the beauty of this world, and for now giving them the chance to experience the beauty of paradise.
'My little sister, my mother, and my niece! I will love them forever - in this life and the next!
'Thank you to all the authorities and individuals who have selflessly supported us in this beautiful country, Brazil, and in Colombia, and for showing us just how much they were loved.'
