‘He had a look of affection for others’, says aunt of councilman killed after serious accident in AM

Priscilla Peixoto – From Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – “He was a very loving boy, a dreamer, who fought for his city”. The speech of Doranilza Gonzaga, 62 years old, describes the nephew of heart Mario Neto Silva dos Santos, councilman of Manaquiri by (União Brasil), who died on Wednesday, 5, in the Hospital and Emergency Room 28 of August, in the capital of Amazonas. Marinho Neto, as he was popularly known, was hospitalized a week ago in serious condition because of an accident on the road in the municipality of Manaquiri (54 kilometers distant from Manaus).

Dona Dora highlights the characteristics of her “thoughtful nephew”, who would have turned 23 this Thursday, the 6th. According to her, from a very early age, Marinho already showed a look of affection for others. “Marinho Neto was a person who radiated a lot of light. He was thoughtful, liked to listen to people, and had an interest in the lives of the people of his town. He wanted to solve the problems of his municipality”, she highlights.

Legacy

The “popular, humble, cheerful and loving boy with the family” were also points highlighted by Mrs. Mara Lúcia Santos de Paula, 41 years old, Marinho’s legitimate aunt, who, in summary, spoke about her nephew’s plans. “He intended to move on in politics, first he was to be a councilman in his hometown (Manaquiri), this dream he managed to fulfill, he was in office. He wanted to be a mayor and, in the future, a deputy. Marinho always liked politics,” reveals an emotional aunt.

When asked about the legacy left by Marinho Neto, dona Mara stresses the strength and importance of believing in dreams. “The legacy that our boy-man leaves behind is the strength that human protagonism is capable of making in the face of life. Any young person, no matter their class, ability, or position, can do what they dream and project for themselves, because the future belongs to people who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” says Mara Lúcia.

Repercussion

In a note, the Manaquiri City Hall regretted the early death of the councilman. In social networks, the administration of the municipality stressed the love of the young councilman for his hometown. “(…) We know how much Marinho loved and fought for the Manaquiriense population, how he was a friend to all who surrounded him, and thus, he will be remembered forever. We wish sincere condolences to the family, especially to his parents, Mario Augusto and Raimunda André, for such a painful and premature loss,” said the mayor.

On social media, voters and friends also left messages of condolence on the councilman’s profile. “You will always have a place in the memories and hearts of your friends here,” said a follower; “I wish it was a lie,” commented another friend.

About the accident

According to family information, on the night of last Wednesday, 29, Marinho was returning from a visit to the rural community of the municipality where he was a councilman, when the motorcycle taxi driver William Byzão, 27, who was taking Marinho, collided with another vehicle. William died on the spot and Marinho was transferred to the Hospital and Emergency Room 28 de Agosto, in Manaus, after receiving first aid at the Hospital Raimundo Rodrigues, in Manaquiri.

Born in Manaquiri, Marinho Neto became one of the youngest politicians in the history of the state of Amazonas. At the age of 20, Marinho was elected as a city councilman in the 2020 elections. The parliamentarian obtained 255 votes. Soon after the election of, then, councilman Amom Mandel (Citizenship), to the position of federal deputy, Marinho Neto was the youngest councilman in Amazonas.

In January of this year, Marinho shared a reflection about the political journey that was just beginning, considering the journey as the realization of a dream: “(…) the truth is that every day we have that moment to stop and analyze where we want to go and who to continue. My journey started a short time ago, but all the obstacles that got me here have strengthened me in the dream that started a long time ago,” Marinho shared about the achievement.

According to information passed on by the family, the wake of Mario Neto Silva dos Santos will be held in Manaquiri, in the Gym José Lins, at dawn on Wednesday. At 6am on Thursday morning, 6, Marinho’s body will be taken for a brief tribute in front of the City Hall. Soon after, a mass will be held in the mother church (St. Peter), central square of the city.