Brazilian Champion Surfer Ricardo dos Santos Shot Dead By Off-Duty Police Officer

Tributes are pouring in for 24-year-old Brazilian champion surfer Ricardo dos Santos who was shot dead by an off-duty police in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. According to CNN, Ricardo, who was a known face in the surfing community within Brazil was shot by the police officer following an argument in front of Ricardo’s home on Monday. The surfer was reportedly shot three times in the abdomen by the angry policeman. Even though Ricardo was rushed to hospital and an emergency surgery conducted on him, doctors were unable to save his life. He died on Tuesday. According to reports, a total of four surgeries were carried out by doctors.

As Ricardo dos Santos’ life hung in balance, fervent appeals were made through several social media websites requesting people to donate blood for him, reports ABC News Australia. According to doctors who were attempting to save dos Santos’ life, he had lost a significant amount of blood – which eventually led to his death. Ricardo also received lot of support through social media with fans wishing him a speedy recovery.

After the news of Ricardo dos Santos was announced several people have posted glowing tributes for him. Carllos Burle, one of Ricardo’s peers wrote.

“An incredible human being! Ricardo dos Santos had a whole life ahead of him.”

Portuguese surfer Tiago Pires tweeted.

“RIP Ricardo dos Santos. Forever in our hearts.”

Meanwhile, Surfer magazine described Ricardo dos Santos as a “fearless, world-class tuberider” who “captured the surf world’s attention” at the 2012 Billabong Pro event in Tahiti.

“We need to pray and thank God for the time he lived among us,” his father said. “A great athlete, he was an example.”

Meanwhile, the policeman who shot Ricardo dos Santos has been identified as Luis Paulo Mota Brentano. Wihle he has been arrested, Luis claims that he shot the surfer in self defense. Authorities are still investigating the case to find out the circumstances behind the fatal shooting.

According to Fabriel Medina, one of Brazil’s best known surfers Ricardo dos Santos “represented all of us very well and was very well recognized for his hard work and also was a very good person. There are certain things that we do not understand.”

[Image Via Huck Magazine]