Surviving Chapecoense player with memory loss not told about disaster by doctors
Psychologist have decided to withhold information from Neto until he is in a stable condition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A surviving member of Chapecoense, the team decimated by the tragic Colombian air disaster two weeks ago, has awoken from a coma with no memory of the accident and asked a doctor about the result of the game.
Neto was one of only six survivors of the crash which claimed 71 lives in the hills near Medellin in November, 19 of which were Chape players.
Upon gaining consciousness, Neto asked his doctors the result of the final of the Copa Sudamericana against Atletico Nacional, who they were travelling to Colombia to play against, and why he was unable to play in the game.
Due to the 31-year-old’s condition, which is preventing him from leaving hospital to return to Brazil for the time being, doctors and psychologists have decided to withhold informational about the crash from Neto until he is stable.
"There is a recommendation from the psychologist not to tell him, and to avoid an emotional shock that would be detrimental to his clinical recovery at this time," doctor Carlos Mendoca said. "We are waiting for a more informed opinion from the specialist."
The other two surviving Chapecoense players returned to Brazil on Monday.
The club were posthumously named Copa Sudamericana champions at the request of their Colombian opponents while goalkeeper Danilo, who died in the crash, was named Brazil’s player of the year.
Danilo gained 48 per cent of the fan vote after his last-gasp save sent Chape into the final of the Copa Sudamericana.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments