A brother and sister drowned in a swimming pool during a family gathering.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday (20 Dec) night at a rented country house where the family was celebrating.
Yasmin de Morais Brito and Gael da Silva were playing near the pool when they fell into the water.
A relative noticed they were drowning and raised the alarm.
A passing local resident heard their cries for help, entered the property, and assisted with resuscitation efforts.
Family members then drove the children to a hospital.
On the way, they encountered the fire brigade, who took over the emergency care.
Despite everyone’s efforts, neither child survived; both were pronounced dead at the emergency care centre in Dracena, near São Paulo, Brazil.
Yasmin was four years and four months old, and Gael was four years and 11 months old.
They were half-siblings, sharing the same father.
Both were laid to rest in nearby Panorama on Sunday (21 Dec) afternoon, as reported by Need To Know.
Police have filed a report classifying the deaths as suspicious.
Investigating officer Cléber Augusto Batista confirmed he will open an inquiry to determine who is responsible for the drownings.
At the time of the tragedy, the children’s father was not at the property. He had gone out to take their maternal grandmother home.
The siblings were reportedly left in the care of Yasmin’s mother, Andressa Morais, who is also Gael’s stepmother.
Andressa, a beautician, had shared a heartfelt post about her daughter’s nursery and preschool journey just days before the tragedy.
She wrote: “Sweetheart, time has passed so quickly – it feels like just yesterday I was crying because I didn’t want to take you to preschool.
“I was scared, full of doubts, and today I am so grateful to everyone who has been part of your journey…
“The tears and heartache from missing you slowly turned into relief, transforming into the purest admiration and gratitude.
“Being a mother, working, and studying at the same time has been an incredible adventure. We’ve lived the best moments, and I will always fight to give you the best I can.
“May this new chapter be full of blessings. A beautiful journey full of discoveries is just ahead! I can’t wait to live this moment by your side.”
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