Brazilian actress Sophia Valverde has paid tribute to aviation content creator Lito Sousa following his death at age 59 from a rare degenerative condition.
Sousa, who built an audience of millions by calming anxious passengers and explaining how aircraft operate, died on Thursday, October 1. His death was announced in a joint social media post by his account and that of his wife, Mila Seidl, and was confirmed to CNN Brasil by a family friend.
Valverde, 21, shared an emotional public message shortly after the news broke, saying she was in profound shock. The television star revealed that Sousa had supported her through intense fear of flying, sending her personal audio recordings that kept her calm whenever she faced long hours on an aeroplane.
Alongside her statement, Valverde published a photo montage showing multiple gatherings with Sousa and his family. She explained that she could hardly believe he was gone, sending her sympathies to Seidl and the couple's young son, Malone, while expressing grief over his rapid and untimely departure.
Valverde noted that Sousa and his wife had welcomed her at a time when she was completely unable to fly, helping her step on board again. Calling him a rare and special person, she said she would keep the memory of his kindness and the audio messages he sent to comfort her before, during, and after each flight. She concluded by asking God to comfort his family, friends, and fans, adding that his legacy would endure.
Aviation Educator and Video Creator
Sousa was best known across Brazil as the face and voice of Aviões e Músicas, a popular YouTube channel and media brand dedicated to commercial aviation. A former airline maintenance technician with decades of hands-on experience in aircraft hangars, Sousa launched the channel to demystify aviation technology, decode flight safety procedures, and explain aerial phenomena in everyday language.
His clear, reassuring breakdowns of turbulence, engine systems, and pilot training resonated strongly with travellers suffering from aerophobia. Over the years, his digital presence expanded significantly, amassing more than 3.7 million followers on Instagram alone and establishing him as one of Brazil's most respected aviation communicators.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Diagnosis
Sousa was diagnosed in mid-August with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an incurable and rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder. The rare condition attacks the central nervous system, leading to rapid loss of voluntary movement, severe cognitive decline, and dementia.
The disease is caused by abnormal prion proteins that trigger cellular damage in brain tissue, creating microscopic sponge-like lesions. Medical records indicate that Brazil has registered 547 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which typically proves fatal within a year of the onset of symptoms.
As his health declined over recent weeks, his wife, Mila Seidl, alongside close family friends, took over the day-to-day operation of his social media accounts to maintain communication with his followers. Sousa appeared only rarely during this period to speak briefly on camera.
In September, Sousa began an experimental medical treatment with ALN-6457, an investigational therapy brought into Brazil under an urgent emergency protocol organised specifically for his care. The diagnosis followed an earlier medical challenge for Sousa, who had previously undergone treatment for prostate cancer.
Celebrity Messages of Gratitude
Valverde is one of multiple Brazilian public figures who have publicly thanked Sousa for helping them overcome debilitating flight anxiety. Over recent months, prominent celebrities including Tata Werneck, Angélica, and Fabiana Justus also shared stories about how his guidance allowed them to travel without panic.
Werneck, a well-known comedian and television presenter, previously disclosed that she had managed to board an aeroplane with her daughter after years of avoidance because of conversations with Sousa. She credited God and the influencer for her progress, sending him prayers and well wishes when he first shared his cancer diagnosis.
Television host Angélica and digital influencer Fabiana Justus similarly credited Sousa with giving them the confidence to fly, noting that his technical breakdowns and patient advice helped them feel secure on commercial flights.
Memorial Services in Santana
Memorial services for Sousa took place on Friday, October 2, in São Paulo. According to an official family statement released on social media, a public wake was held between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Brasília time to allow followers and colleagues to pay their final respects.
The public ceremony took place at Avenida Braz Leme, 2594, in the Santana neighbourhood of São Paulo's North Zone. The location sits within a historic aviation district adjacent to Campo de Marte Airport, the oldest airport in São Paulo.
Following the conclusion of the public hours, the memorial continued as a private gathering for family members and close friends at an adjacent address. Sousa's seven-year-old son did not attend the wake. Sousa is survived by his wife, Mila Seidl, and their son, Malone.
