WSL / Daniel Smorigo
Professional Brazilian surfer Rickson Falcão has been caught up in a horrific drive-by shooting on Friday night on the streets Saquarema, Brazil, a popular surf town that hosts the CT’s sixth stop on its calendar every year.
The 19-year-old, who is quickly becoming one of Brazil’s brightest prospects, was unfortunately caught in the firing line and was struck by four bullets, one grazing his back, another in the foot, one in his right shin and in his left ankle, close to his Achilles tendon said Falcão’s team.
CCTV footage captures the moment all hell breaks loose at a busy snack bar bustling with street side diners. Customers, including families with young children can be seen scrambling for cover as a black car passes by with one of its occupants firing more than 10 shots into the crowds.
He underwent surgery following the attack. Thankfully, he was released on Sunday morning. Once home safely, Falcão took to instagram to share some words.
“For those who have faith, life never ends,” he wrote in Portuguese. Falcão also thanked God for “this chance to live,” adding to the post that if the bullet in his back hadn’t only grazed him, “I don’t know if I’d be here.”
Read his words in full on Instagram here:
View this post on Instagram
He wasn’t the only athlete to be caught up in the attack. Fellow Brazilian, and pro skater Pedro Magalhães Marchi took a bullet to the arm, while surfer Kauã Vilhena was struck in the calf. Both have fortunately already been released from hospital and are on the mend. Six people were caught in the shooting in total.
One victim, Luan César Avellar Incutto Ferreira, later died from a result of his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Police have said he is believed to have been the intended target.
No arrests have yet to be made. Local authorities have recovered two 9mm casings from the crime scene, and the local police continue their investigation on who might have carried out the attack and the motivation behind it.
Falcão was born and raised in the town of Saquarema and grew up on the very beaches that front this surfing epicentre. He won the 2025 WSL South American Junior title, went on to finish fifth overall at the WSL Junior Championships and was looking in career best form before the attack. His agent has spoken saying that the injuries are not expected to interfere with his career.
Our thoughts are with everyone involved. We are certain Falcão will be back to what he does best very soon. But for now, we wish him the smoothest recovery.
