entire Brazilian Rowing Team killed on their way home

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND IMAGINATION

Words and memories from Bernhard Stomporowski and friends

"On October 20, 2024, my friend Oguener Tissot, coach of the Pelotas Rowing Team, competed in the Brazilian Rowing Championships. It was a successful competition with several medals won by the team of eight athletes, Oguener himself, and their driver. After the event, they set off on the 1000-mile (1300km) journey back home from Sao Paulo to Pelotas.

But what should have been a joyful trip turned into a tragedy after only 300km. An unfit truck collided into the back of their van at high speed, instantly killing all but one person.

I received the devastating news while driving my two young children to school.

I've been a coach for over 20 years now. For two decades, I have driven countless athletes from their homes to competitions and trainings and back again.

I stopped the car near the school and took my children to their classes. The weight of the loss paralyzed me for days.

But then my close friends from Brazil came together and we made a decision: we would not let go of the legacy these young athletes had created. Oguener's vision for founding a rowing club in Pelotas has given many young people the opportunity to realize their potential.

Of course, there are no words to describe the pain felt by the families of the victims. And I struggle to find the words within this writing space.

My team here - my friends in the USA, Europe, and even Australia - realized that something extraordinary happened in our lives. And they asked me: how can we help?

The truth is, we cannot undo what has happened. But we have a responsibility to carry on the dream that those eight young athletes held in their hearts. We can only assist the families in avoiding financial struggles during this difficult time.

We cannot ease their pain or lessen their loss. But we can show our condolences and our determination to stand with them.

My friends Marcello Varriale and Fabrizio, as well as myself, want to express our gratitude for the help that has been given to support the bereaved families and the rowing club that gave these young athletes their chance to shine."

GoFundMe – Info

The GoFundMe initiative stretches worldwide. We, the organizers, contacted our friends all over the world to bring awareness to this cause.

I want to thank all who got aware and asked me how to help.

Thank you to

Kay Worthington - Peter Anthony - Michael Forgeron -

(names will be added daily)

As we started the campaign – we faced the problem how to distribute the incoming funds. To be transparent we had no choice to divide the 100% in parts.

We understand there will be always a discussion how to do it – but we finalized the following:

7% of the donated funds will go to each the families of Helen, Angel, Joao, Nicole, Samuel, Vitor and Henry

14% to the family of the driver Ricardo Leal Cunha

14% to the family of Coach Oguener Tissot

23% to the Rowing Club Pelotas

There is of course the possibility to donate directly to the families.

Please contact me so that I can connect you directly.

Helen Belony (2004-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

Helen, a 20-year-old girl from an economically disadvantaged background, was a silent strength in rowing. Despite her shyness, she always showed wisdom and determination when necessary. With six years of dedication to the sport, she collected national titles and was called up to the national team, where she shone in the double rowing vest. Balancing her intense training routine with her physiotherapy course at the Federal University of Pelotas, Helen represented the true example of discipline and willpower, always overcoming personal and athletic challenges with mastery.

Among her friends, Helen was more than just a high-performance athlete; she was an example of overcoming obstacles and dedication. Even though she was quieter, she left a deep mark on the people around her, offering valuable advice and bringing inspiration to those who wanted to follow in her footsteps. Her strength and persistence made her an admired and respected figure, and Helen will forever be remembered as “Belony”, a gentle warrior who carried within her unshakable courage and faith.

Words and memories from Fabricio Boscolo Del Vecchio

I was woken up by my wife and daughter at 3:00 a.m. when they told me that a tragedy had occurred. Then, my wife told me that our rowing team had been involved in an accident on the road. I went into shock and spent the next 3 hours completely paralyzed and aimless. In 2015, I created an audacious project with Oguener Tissot called "Remar para o Futuro". Our goal was (and continues to be) to popularize and provide opportunities for young students in the municipal school system of Pelotas, in Rio Grande do Sul, to practice rowing.

It is possible that many people outside of Brazil have no idea of the importance of a sports career - even an amateur one - in Brazil. The financial conditions of our athletes are so precarious that many use the "athlete grant" (a financial incentive given by the federal government to athletes who become state and national champions) to supplement their family income. Yes, the young people from "Remar para o Futuro" were returning from a championship in which they had - all of them - won several medals and, consequently, could be eligible to apply for the athlete grant, to help their families financially.

The tragedy that struck us took part of our lives, our souls and our dreams. Oguener dedicated himself body and soul to "Remar para o Futuro", he was the heart of the project and had within himself all the expertise necessary to form more socially responsible and participatory citizens. It was all through Sport, but not just for sports. Our dream continues to be to change lives through sports.

As the creator of "Remar para o Futuro" I am devastated. I cry every day and strive to do my best to honor Oguener and our athletes. I seek to transform my pain into strength, to continue working towards this dream of transforming lives through sports. After all, a dream that is dreamed alone is just a dream. But a dream that is dreamed together becomes reality.

Angel Vidal (2008-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

Angel was a 16-year-old girl. She was charming, with a calm spirit and a faith that guided her steps. With long dark hair and a sweet presence, Angel didn't talk much, but she always made herself present in a sincere and loyal way. Although she sometimes felt insecure about her performance, she never gave up, driven by the friendship and support of her colleagues. She had an excellent physical profile for the sport and, in just over two years, she won three medals in the national championship, in addition to a recent call-up to the national team. Angel was, without a doubt, an inspiration to everyone.

Angel was everyone's friend, especially Nicole, with whom she formed an inseparable duo. She was a person who radiated kindness and had a smile that comforted everyone around her. At just 16 years old, she had already proven her strength and persistence, charming her colleagues with her determination and kindness. More than a talented rower, she was an older sister to many, always willing to give advice and spread joy. Angel will be remembered as someone who brought light and hope to those who had the privilege of being by her side.

Oguener Tissot (1981-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

Oguener (43 years old) was much more than a coach — he was a mentor, a father figure, someone who deeply believed in the transformative power of sport. He started rowing at the age of 12, and since then, the sport has become not just a practice, but a life mission. He brought with him an untiring passion for rowing and a commitment that went beyond the realm of competition. Visionary and determined, Oguener dreamed of putting Pelotas on the Brazilian rowing map and worked day and night to make this ideal a reality. But more than that, he wanted to use rowing as a tool for social transformation, offering opportunities to young people who often came from vulnerable backgrounds.

For him, each athlete was much more than a competitor. They were sons and daughters whom he guided with exemplary patience and wisdom that came from experience and the heart. Oguener knew that sport could be a path to salvation, a way to teach values such as discipline, persistence and respect. He was present in all aspects of his athletes’ lives, encouraging not only their growth in sports, but also their development as human beings. Many of these young people found in him the support and motivation they needed to believe in a better future.

Oguener was also known for his leadership style, always patient and willing to teach. He had a keen eye for technical details and a special sensitivity to recognize the potential of each athlete. With a firm but at the same time gentle approach, he knew how to inspire the best in each one. He was the kind of leader who shared not only his knowledge, but his time, his strength and even his hopes, always making a point of following each stage of his students’ development. For him, his athletes’ success was his own success, and each medal, each achievement, was a reason for shared celebration.

Even in the most difficult moments, Oguener remained by his athletes’ side, guiding them calmly and encouraging them to never give up, no matter how challenging the path. He believed in the transformative potential of sport not only as a tool for inclusion, but also as a means of revealing the inner greatness that each of his athletes carried. It was this vision, this trust in the inner strength of his young people, that made Oguener a true icon, someone who will be remembered for generations as a generous and dedicated soul.

Oguener’s legacy goes far beyond the medals and trophies; it is in the values, the memories and the lessons he left behind. His athletes are not only better rowers, but better people for having had the privilege of learning from him. He will forever be remembered as someone who, with love, discipline and unwavering dedication, gave his life to transforming lives – and he made it!

Memories from Piedro Tuchtenhagen

From the 18th to the 21st, the finals of the Brazilian championship took place in São Paulo. And as always, there was my dear Oguener, with his "small" but very efficient team. All young people between 15 and 20 years old and all my friends, some who saw me as an example, because it was with Oguener that I practiced my first rowings.

On Friday the 18th, I had a difficult test, where I didn't get the result I expected, at the end of everything, disassembling my boat I saw Oguener next to me and asked for a paternal hug, a warm hug, a hug that knew exactly what I was feeling, a hug that was the last.

During the last two days of competition we talked, laughed and talked about the future, at the end of the competition, I left, without saying goodbye to my dear friend Oguener and my friends.

I was already coming home, also in a van and I was informed about the accident. Even today I have difficulty finding words to describe the size of the loss we suffer. Well people, a man in love with rowing and destined to make our small town one of the largest rower training centers. Young people so disciplined, focused, boys and girls that I could roam together, present them with jumpsuits and training clothes, young people full of dreams who for a fraction of seconds got lost.

I still can't describe what I feel, Oguener was for me a father, friend and coach, the young people, my younger brothers.

But Oguener has built a legacy, a solid path that will be continued, but in this very delicate moment in which we live we need to join forces to start over, no money will take away the pain of families, but it can make Oguener's legacy and that thousands of other young people and families can achieve a bright future in life and sport.

(from B.Stomporowski: Piedro is Generation ONE of Ogueners dream. Piedro is a very successful rower of Brazil. His won under Ogueners guidance several National Championships and is a member of the Brazil National Team. He is working to fulfill his and Ogueners dream to participate at the Olympic Games in 2028)

João Kerchiner (2007-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

João was 17 years old. He was a natural leader, always with an easy smile and a warm heart, someone everyone was proud to have around. The son of a fisherman, he carried within him the humility of his roots and began rowing at just 11 years old, already demonstrating remarkable talent. Over the years, he stood out nationally, collecting two Brazilian titles and countless medals, in addition to a recent call-up to the Brazilian national team. A lover of double rowing, João, more than an athlete, was an example for his colleagues: persistent, dedicated and the friend who always had a word of motivation for anyone who needed it.

For many, João was more than a teammate — he was an inspiration. Always committed to helping with the maintenance of the boats, he also cared deeply about the well-being of his friends, encouraging healthy habits and showing the power of a disciplined life. Charismatic, kind and playful, he became an example of effort and resilience on and off the water. Whether it was in conversations about football or during training sessions, when he was the last to give up, João left his mark on everyone, radiating an unbreakable willpower. For those who remained, he will be forever remembered as “The Man”, someone who, by giving his best, taught everyone the true meaning of the word overcoming.

Henry Fontoura (2007-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

Henry was also 17 years old, but he started rowing later. However, he made up for his time with dedication and surprising progress. In addition to rowing, he divided his time between studying at IFsul, always bringing his determined spirit to everything he did. In his second participation in the Brazilian Championship, he won the title of champion, showing a special talent for simple rowing. A companion and joker, he was a true friend, always offering support in training and sharing wise advice. The nickname "Salsicha", given to him by his friends, was a symbol of his relaxed and affectionate manner.

For those who had the privilege of knowing him, Henry was more than an athlete; he was a presence that brought joy and strength to the group. With his spontaneous manner, he made everyone laugh and feel welcomed. Determined and dedicated, he encouraged everyone to do their best, showing that maturity and focus were essential for success in the sport. As his girlfriend said, he had a persistent heart and a dedication that inspired everyone around him. Henry will be forever remembered as that friend who knew how to care, motivate and make everyone's day a little lighter and happier.

Nicole Colella (2009-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

At just 15 years old, Nicole had already won hearts and respect in the rowing community. Since she was 9 years old, she had rowed with an unparalleled passion, ignoring the limitations of her physical size and showing a strength that surprised everyone. In a year marked by personal challenges, Nicolle remained steadfast, transforming pain into determination. With a national medal and two more in this last competition, Nicolle had been called up to the Brazilian team and, with her cheerful demeanor, was a true inspiration to her friends, who saw her as “Little Giant Nick”.

Nicole was a young woman who exuded charisma and joy, always willing to support and motivate her colleagues. Her smile was contagious, and she had a unique ability to brighten up any environment. A lover of conversation and always attentive to those in need, she brought lightness and courage to the group.

Even at her young age, she demonstrated admirable resilience, transforming rowing into a true passion in life. Nicolle will be remembered as the one who, with her strength and friendliness, proved that the size of the body never defines the size of the spirit.

Vitor Fernandes (2007-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

Vitor (17 years old), with his playful spirit and contagious energy, was a beloved figure. Although he was more reserved at school, it was in rowing that he stood out, showing strength and determination alongside Henry, his training partner. Making his debut in the Brazilian championship, he had already been called up to the national team and was at his best in sport. With a style and energy reminiscent of a basketball player, Vitor was more than an athlete; he was the friend who always knew how to cheer up the group, leaving a legacy of joy and inspiration.

For Vitor, rowing was a passion that transcended competition, and he made a point of being present at every moment, encouraging his colleagues and sharing his enthusiasm. With a “gangster” spirit, as he liked to say, he brought an authenticity and charisma that made him one of the most beloved in the group. Always willing to help and learn, Vitor will be remembered as someone who, even without the formality of blood, was a brother to his friends, inspiring them to excel and never give up on their dreams.

Samuel Benites (2009-2024)

(by Fabricio Boscolo del Vecchio)

Samuel, at just 15 years old, was already a talented rower, demonstrating a technique and maturity that impressed everyone. A good friend of Vitor, he brought a cheerful energy to training sessions, always motivating his teammates to give their best. Even at such a young age, Samuel was already a national champion in his first Brazilian competition, proving that his strength and determination placed him among the best. For his friends, he was the one who gave 110% to every training session, always with a smile that brightened the atmosphere and inspired everyone around him.

In addition to being a talented rower, Samuel was someone who shared tastes and interests with his teammates, making every moment lighter and more fun. His friends saw him as a “best friend”, the one who was always there, in good times and in challenges, always willing to help and encourage. With his contagious joy and tireless dedication, Samuel will be remembered as the young man with the spirit of a giant, the one who taught us the value of friendship and persistence, and whose smile will forever remain in our hearts.

Thank you

Find some more moments of their life HERE YouTube Video