Brazilian musician Ayres Sasaki electrocuted during a concert hug

Parents of young children explain to them from an early age that the combination of electricity and water is deadly dangerous. They are warned against drying hair in the bathtub and other activities that could lead to electrocution. Despite this, deaths caused by electricity still occur worldwide. The latest victim of this deadly combination is Brazilian musician Ayres Sasaki.

Ayres Sasaki was a Brazilian architect and urban planner who dreamed of a musical career. The Brazilian turned his dreams into reality and, in his free time, fulfilled himself as a singer and guitarist. On 13 July 2024, he and his band performed at the Solar Hotel in Salinópolis. A fan came on stage during the concert wanting to hug his idol. The unexpected guest was wearing a damp shirt, and as he hugged the vocalist, an electrocution occurred due to an electrical cable getting into the fan's shirt. The 35-year-old Ayres Sasaki died almost instantly.

The death of the guitarist, singer, architect, and urban planner shocked his loved ones, who bid farewell to Ayres Sasaki in moving words. Photographer Raphael Macedo wrote on Instagram: "It's still hard to believe and understand!!! So many years of friendship and so many stories to tell… friendship from school, university, and life! You were always a wonderful person and liked by everyone! I'm glad I could be a part of your journey… you took the advice to enter the music world and were very happy because of it. We took your first professional photos for work and you were doing so well with your concerts! So many wonderful moments we spent together, and we will only remember the good memories. Listening to Biquini Cavadão was immortalised by your taste for those guys, your suffering with Clube do Remo and the story of the ‘farting’ goalkeeper… anyway... Divine plans are beyond explanation, but I'm sure you'd want to be remembered for your voice, joy, and friendship! May God welcome you with open arms, my brother."

Ayres Sasaki's wife, Mariana, with whom he exchanged rings just eleven months before the tragedy, used Instastory to thank everyone for their words of comfort and support: "I would like to thank every one of you for your messages full of affection and support, for every prayer during this difficult time we are going through. I haven't been able to read all the messages yet, but when I feel better, I will reply to each of them. Thank you."

The Brazilian star died during a concert at the Solar hotel in Salinópolis, Brazil. A hotel spokesperson addressed the matter in an official statement published on Instagram. The document reads: "The Solar hotel deeply regrets the loss of the beloved Ayres Sasaki. Since yesterday, we have been fully committed to providing support to his family and taking care of the necessary formalities. We are in direct contact with his family, offering all necessary support during this difficult time. We emphasise our full commitment to cooperating with the appropriate authorities to clarify the matter. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ayres Sasaki's family and friends during this difficult time."

The Salinópolis police station is investigating the death of Ayres Sasaki. Officers want to determine how the fatal hug occurred.