MAN AT CEMETERY FOR FRIEND'S FUNERAL DIES AFTER FALLING INTO HIS FATHER'S GRAVE

PEOPLE

 

Man Was at Cemetery for Friend’s Funeral Then Died After Falling into His Own Father’s Grave

By David Chiu  Published on October 23, 2026 02:30PM EDT

 

A man is dead after he fell into his father’s grave in Brazil in what appeared to be a freak accident.

 

The incident occurred on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the São José Municipal Cemetery in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, according to Espirito Santo no Ar, Gazeta, O Globo and Midiamax.

 

The man, who was in his 40s, was attending the funeral of a friend at the cemetery, the outlets reported. A gravedigger later told O Globo that the man greeted those present, inquired where his friend was to be buried, and left his motorcycle and helmet at the site.

 

Afterward, he went to his father’s gravesite. According to the reports, the man sat down when the structure gave way, and he fell into the tomb.

 

People nearby heard a noise and contacted emergency services, Gazeta reported. However, when first responders arrived, they found that the man had already died, reported Spanish outlet SUR.

 

The victim’s body was taken to the medical examiner’s office, according to Espirito Santo no Ar.

 

He has since been identified as Adilson Marsaro, 48, O Globo reported.

 

The Linhares City Hall expressed its regret over the tragedy and offered support to the victim’s family, reported O Globo. Officials also said it is in charge of maintaining the cemetery’s common areas, while families are responsible for the upkeep of the tombs and graves of their loved ones.

 

“With the proximity of the Finados [All Souls Day] holiday, the expectation is an increase in the movement of the cemeteries of the municipality. Therefore, the city hall reinforces the importance of redoubled care during visits,” the city hall said in a statement shared with Gazeta translated from Portuguese to English.

 

Nearly 20,000 people are buried in the cemetery.

 

The investigation is ongoing, said the Civil Police, Midiamax reported.

 

PEOPLE contacted the Linhares City Hall and the Civil Police on Friday, Oct. 23, but did not receive immediate comment.