Colombia plane crash: Chapecoense release cartoon showing players as angels as manager Caio Junior said he’d ‘die happy’ after qualifying for Copa Sudamericana final
CHAPECOENSE manager Caio Junior said he would 'die happy' after leading his club to the Copa Sudamericana.
A week later later the 51-year-old, along with all but three of the Chapecoense squad, was one of 71 people to tragically die in a tragic plane crash in Colombia as the club travelled to play the first leg of the final.
In 2009, the Santa Catarina side were in the fourth tier of Brazilian football.
In the seven years since, the club has risen to the top division and with a draw against San Lorenzo last Wednesday reached the final of the Copa Sudamericana - easily the biggest win in their history.
Speaking after that game, a 0-0 draw, Globo Esporte report that Caio Junior said: "If I died tomorrow, I would die happy."
The plane was flying to play in the first leg of the final against Medellin side Atletico Nacional.
According to local police, only six of the 77 people on board the flight - which included the squad and backroom staff as well as journalists and crew - survived.
Junior's son, who plays for the club, was not on board the flight as he forgot his passport - only three of their players survived.
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Investigators have found two black boxes with some reports stating that the passengers were forced onboard the plane because red tape stopped them flying from Brazil.
Football rallied around the club who later posted a cartoon depiction of a group of their players receiving halos in heaven.
Brazil football legend Pele said: ";Brazilian football is in mourning.
"It is such a tragic loss.
"My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
"Rest in Peace."
The plane lost contact with air traffic control as it approached Medellin at 10.15pm (3.15am GMT) on Tuesday, after the pilot reported an electrical fault.
The plane crashed in a mountainous area of Colombia.
Brazilian President Michel Temer has announced three days of national mourning - hundreds of the club's fans have gathered at their Chapeco stadium to mourn.
Brazilian clubs have offered to loan the club players, while Copa Sudamericana opponents Atletico Nacional have even asked South American governing body Conmebol to award the club the title.