MANAUS, BRAZIL — Antônio Paulo Rodrigues de Souza, 40, originally from the municipality of Parintins in the interior of Amazonas, was known as Antônio “Suricate” and was part of the team responsible for decorating the 2025 Christmas tree being installed in front of the Amazonas Theater, in downtown Manaus.

In 2022, he worked on the operational team for the Christmas structure and recorded footage from atop a crane, secured only by a rope at the tip of the boom and without a helmet, while assisting with that year’s assembly.

“Let’s go, Dad, keep the energy up — you can’t stop. This isn’t for just anyone; it’s for those who have courage. Those guys over there don’t wait around. God is always in command,” Antônio said three years ago.

“Suricate” died after the crane he was operating toppled during the installation of the 2025 Christmas tree in the Amazonas state capital. The accident, which occurred on Sunday morning (23), also left another worker with a fractured leg.

Witnesses reported that Antônio was positioned on the crane boom, helping guide and align the tree’s structure. The Civil Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident.

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