Juarez Silva dos Santos, known as Diegão, a former councilman in Júlio de Castilhos, Brazil, died in a car accident on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The accident occurred on BR-158, around km 270.
Diegão was driving his truck when it veered off the road and rolled over. Two other passengers sustained injuries. The road was temporarily closed but reopened later that night.
Diegão was notable for being the first Black person to serve on Júlio de Castilhos's legislative body after 78 years. He ran for reelection in 2024, but ended as a substitute. He recently served as a substitute councilman for Lucas Dias de Oliveira, covering a 30-day leave.
The Júlio de Castilhos City Council released a statement mourning his death. The article highlights this as a notable political loss, considering his place in history as the first Black councilman.