Country music star Rick Sollo, whose real name was Geraldo Antônio de Carvalho, has died at 59 after the helicopter carrying him crashed in a mountainous region of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. The fire department confirmed his death after an extensive search. Sollo was best known as one half of the celebrated country duo Rick and Renner.
The helicopter had been flying from Porto Belo to São Joaquim, where severe weather and thunderstorms had been forecast, when it went missing on Monday, September 21. Search teams located the wreckage after a day of operations in a remote and difficult-to-reach area. Around 40 firefighters, more than 10 vehicles, drones, two search dogs and an aircraft took part in the effort despite dense fog. The four other people on board—businessman Bruno Avelar, videomaker Paulo Soares, pilot Antonio Roberto Nobrega de Araujo and co-pilot Leopoldo Barros Teixeiera—also died in the crash.
Sollo formed Rick and Renner with Ivair dos Reis Goncalvis, known professionally as Renner Reis, in 1986. The pair released their self-titled debut album in 1992 and went on to record 18 more albums during their 25 years together. Their final album was 2018’s Segui rem Frente, and the duo sold an estimated 10 million records.
He was also a successful songwriter whose compositions were recorded by performers including Chitãozinho & Xororó, Gian & Giovani, João Paulo & Daniel, and Gino & Geno.
Sollo later pursued a solo career, releasing his first solo CD, Pronto pra Te Amar (“Ready to Love You”), in 2011. The album featured 13 tracks.
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Tributes poured in after news of the singer’s death was confirmed.
One Facebook user wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Rick Sollo. It is hard to believe that a voice that was part of our youth, our parties, our moments of joy and even some nostalgia has now been silenced… When an artist like this dies, we don’t just lose one person. We’re missing some of the memories his music helped build… May Rick rest in peace. Your voice stays. Your songs stay on. And as long as they are sung, in some way, he will remain among us.”
Another person posted: “May God comfort all of Rick’s family and friends, as well as the entire crew…” A third tribute read: “Our deepest condolences; may God comfort the entire family and all friends. May Rick rest in peace. We will be fans forever. Eternal rest, Rick.”
A fourth mourner shared: “May there be much light on your journey, Rick. May God be with you and grant you a place of peace. And may He comfort the hearts of your family and friends.”