A heroic dad-of-two died a hero when he was shot while trying to prevent a robbery at his workplace.
Rafael Hollanda Mathias was shot on Wednesday (30 Oct) night outside the pharmacy where he worked as a sales assistant.
By the time police officers arrived at the scene, the 34-year-old was dead.
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According to witnesses, armed crooks burst into the pharmacy and announced a hold-up.
They took cash from the till and mobile phones from the staff.
As they fled, Rafael chased after them in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As one climbed onto a motorcycle to get away, he bravely struck him with a bat.
He then ran after him down the street and the two engaged in a physical struggle.
During the tussle, the crook pulled a gun and shot Rafael.
Rafael was father to a 12-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy.
He had just begun the process of buying a home, as reported by Need To Know.
His brother Luccas Hollanda told local media: “Devastated, the family is completely broken.
“He was the pillar of the whole family, always a father to us, a friend, a brother.”
Rafael, Luccas, and their other brother Vinicius Hollanda lost their father nearly two years ago.
The police are investigating Rafael’s death and are seeking witnesses in a bid to identify the perpetrators.
Rafael’s funeral will be held today (1 Nov) in Rio de Janeiro.
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