Helicopter carrying singer Rick disappears over Santa Catarina; FAB launches search

A Bell 430 helicopter operating under JTA Empreendimentos e Urbanismo lost contact with radar on Monday, September 21, 2026, while flying over the mountainous region of Urubici in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The aircraft had departed from Porto Belo on the northern coast at approximately 10:30 a.m., headed for São Joaquim. On board were five occupants: singer Rick, from the country music duo Rick and Renner; businessman and speaker Bruno Avelar; a videographer; a pilot; and a copilot. The helicopter lost communication during adverse weather conditions characterized by heavy rain, low visibility, and strong winds.

The disappearance was reported to emergency services around 4 p.m. local time. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Fire Department of Santa Catarina, Military Police, and private rescue teams mobilized immediately. Search efforts concentrated on two areas approximately 30 kilometers apart: Vacas Gordas, a suspected crash site, and the location of the last registered cellular signal from one of the occupants, near São Joaquim. Initial ground searches in Vacas Gordas found no wreckage. The FAB deployed two Black Hawk helicopters and a C-105 Amazonas aircraft specialized in search and rescue operations. About 20 firefighters participated in ground operations using 4x4 vehicles to access difficult terrain. Adverse weather conditions hampered rescue efforts, with alerts issued for rain, hail, and severe winds in the region.

The helicopter was operated under a company linked to Neymar Jr., the Santos FC footballer, though the aircraft itself belonged to JTA Empreendimentos. In a statement, JTA confirmed the helicopter had been lent to Bruno Avelar and Rick, described as close friends of the company owner. The mayor of São Joaquim reported he had been expecting Rick and Avelar for a lunch meeting to discuss a potential land investment, but was notified of the disappearance around 1 p.m. Rick's spouse, Ge Helena Carvalho, was tagged in a social media post published that morning showing Rick and Avelar together, though she did not appear in the image. According to press reports, Rick currently resides in the United States, and the duo had performed a concert in Mato Grosso the previous day.