Aviation specialist and digital creator Lito Sousa has died at the age of 46, prompting tributes from public figures he helped overcome flight anxiety.
Sousa passed away on Thursday, October 1, after suffering from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare neurodegenerative condition that has recorded 547 cases in Brazil. He earned national recognition for demystifying the world of aviation and explaining in accessible terms the incidents, sounds, and turbulence that often trigger severe apprehension during commercial flights.
Through his social media platforms and his well-known channel, Aviões e Músicas, Sousa became a reassuring presence for nervous passengers across Brazil. Following the confirmation of his death, prominent entertainers and public figures took to social networks to mourn his passing and celebrate the legacy he left behind.
Celebrity tributes and flight anxiety
Actress and comedian Tata Werneck revealed that a personal conversation with Sousa finally enabled her to board a flight with her young daughter, Clara Maria. Werneck said she had spent years unable to step onto an aeroplane until Sousa spoke with her, expressing deep gratitude for his reassurance and wishing him peace in a tribute posted online.
Television host Angélica paid an emotional tribute to Sousa at the close of her GNT programme Angélica ao Vivo, explaining how he helped her family recover from a major aviation trauma. She said Sousa had walked them through the technical breakdown of a plane accident her family survived, describing his detailed explanations as crucial to her children and their emotional recovery at that time.
Angélica described Sousa as a deeply special person who had provided comfort to countless individuals, closing her broadcast by wishing him well on his next journey.
Actress Sophia Valverde published a series of photographs alongside Sousa on Thursday night, reflecting on the support he provided during her travels. Valverde said she would treasure the voice notes he sent to keep her calm before takeoff, throughout the journey, and after landing, thanking him for assisting her through every stage of flight.
Support for anxious passengers
Media personality Fabiana Justus revisited an interview she previously recorded with Sousa, writing on Friday that the specialist had supported her through multiple moments of panic.
Suzanna Freitas, the daughter of singer Kelly Key, previously shared that she had suffered from severe anxiety and intense terror surrounding air travel. She credited Sousa's videos and clear technical explanations with enabling her to overcome her panic completely.
Tributes also poured in from other prominent names across Brazilian entertainment. Digital influencer Virginia Fonseca and dancer Lore Improta both left messages offering their sincere condolences on the announcement of his death.
Podcaster and author Ivan Mizanzuk thanked Sousa for his close friendship and praised his dedication to aviation education. Mizanzuk said he had the honour of being interviewed twice by Sousa, noting that Sousa generously shared technical knowledge that fundamentally redirected an investigative story he was working on. He praised Sousa's generosity and immense heart, adding that he would be sorely missed.
Public wake and funeral arrangements
Organisers confirmed that a memorial service for Sousa will be open to members of the public who wish to pay their respects.
His wife announced that visitors will be strictly prohibited from taking photographs or recording videos during the wake, requesting privacy for the service.
Sousa built an enduring reputation across Brazil by translating complex aeronautical concepts into clear, calming explanations for ordinary travellers. His death cuts short a career defined by helping thousands of passengers confront their phobias and travel with confidence.
