Authorities in Marília, São Paulo, confirmed on Tuesday the discovery of the body of 12-year-old João Raspante Neto. He was the younger brother of world-renowned Valorant professional Gustavo "Sacy" Rossi.
João had been reported missing since Monday, April 6. The disappearance triggered an immediate and widespread search effort throughout the local community and across various social media platforms.
The child was diagnosed with autism and required level 3 support. Family members noted that he was nonverbal, which heightened the urgency of the search operations conducted by local law enforcement.
Search teams located the body on Tuesday morning at a municipal sewage treatment facility in Marília. First responders were dispatched to the site shortly after the discovery was reported.
Preliminary reports from local authorities suggest that the cause of death appears to be an accidental drowning. Official forensic examinations will be conducted to provide a definitive conclusion.
Gustavo "Sacy" Rossi issued a formal statement via his social media channels following the news. He confirmed that João had been found and expressed that the boy was now with his family.
Sacy extended his gratitude to the citizens of Marília and the global Valorant community for their support during the search. The player has asked for privacy for his family.
In response to the tragedy, the city government of Marília officially declared a day of mourning. This gesture acknowledges the impact of the loss on the local community.
The Valorant competitive circuit has expressed widespread condolences for the Rossi family. Organizations and fellow players have utilized digital platforms to pay tribute to the boy's memory.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by children with profound developmental needs. Local safety protocols regarding infrastructure access are expected to come under review by municipal officials.
The investigation into how João accessed the treatment center remains ongoing. The community remains focused on supporting the Rossi family through this difficult period.