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35-year-old singer suffers fatal electric shock after hugging wet fan

A Brazilian musician died after being electrocuted during a live performance in Salinópolis, Pará, Brazil, on Saturday, July 13, according to Brazilian news sites Istoé Gente, The Sun and The Mirror.

Ayres Sasaki, 35, died almost instantly after hugging a soaking wet concertgoer during his performance on stage at the Solar Hotel in Salinopolis, Brazil. The pair’s contact then triggered a jolt in a nearby cable, causing a fatal electric shock, according to The Mirror.

It is unclear why the fan was wet, but Salinópolis police are investigating the incident. According to Pará’s civil police, witnesses have given statements and authorities have requested expert opinions, Istoé Gente reported via translation.

Sasaki, this is Sasaki.

Ayres Sasaki/Instagram


The Solar Hotel released a statement on Sunday, July 14, clarifying The establishment is cooperating with the authorities in the investigation. “We are fully committed to providing support to his family and taking the necessary measures. We reiterate our commitment to fully cooperate with the competent authorities in the proper clarification of the events,” the hotel’s official Instagram account said in a translation.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Ayres Sasaki’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.

Sasaki’s aunt, Rita Matos, told Istoé Gente: “We are contacting people who were with him at the time to understand how everything happened. We will summarize all the information in a statement that we will release to the press.”

Sasaki, this is Sasaki.

Ayres Sasaki/Instagram


Sasaki was also an architect and urban planner. His friends remembered him with Instagram tributes after his tragic death.

“Always a wonderful person and loved by all,” wrote filmmaker Raphael Macedo in a tribute to his friend. “Nobody explains the divine plans, but I am sure you want to be remembered for your voice, joy and friendship!”

The band RockON wrote: “An extraordinary person with kindness and character, an extraordinary music professional!”

He leaves behind his wife Mariana, with whom he was married for eleven months.

In an Instagram story, Mariana expressed her gratitude for the great support.

“I want to thank you for every loving and comforting message, for every prayer in this difficult time we are going through,” she wrote, according to Istoé Gente. “I haven’t been able to read all the messages yet, but when I feel better I will respond to each one. Thank you.”

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A representative for Hotel Solar did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for information.