RIO DE JANEIRO — An Argentine tourist, Gastón Fernando Burlón, tragically passed away on Monday after sustaining critical injuries during a violent incident in Rio de Janeiro last month. The 51-year-old had been attempting to reach the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue when he drove into a low-income neighborhood and became a victim of gunfire.
Burlón was traveling with his girlfriend and children when, due to a misdirection from his GPS, he accidentally entered the Morro dos Prazeres favela, an area known for its presence of the Red Command criminal organization. According to reports from local law enforcement, it was during his entry into the favela that Burlón was unexpectedly shot in the head and chest.
Following the shooting on December 12, he was rushed to Hospital Souza Aguiar in critical condition, where medical staff performed surgery and placed him in a medically induced coma to assist with his recovery. Sadly, despite the medical efforts, officials from Argentine tourism have confirmed his death.
The chamber of tourism in Bariloche, the Argentine city where Burlón had served as tourism secretary from 2017 to 2023, expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his legacy, stating that he would be remembered as an inspiration for those who share a passion for tourism and the beauty of Bariloche. They recognized him as a significant contributor to their community’s development and cherished his leadership.
In addition to his role in Bariloche, Burlón was also involved with the Argentine Chamber of Student Tourism. His partner, Nadia Loza, who was with him during the incident, is presently the tourism secretary for the northern province of Salta in Argentina. She described their experience as a “nightmare” that they would never forget.
This incident draws parallels to a previous tragedy in 2016 when Italian tourist Roberto Bardella lost his life in a similar area while navigating the city; he was traveling through South America on a motorcycle with a friend who thankfully was unharmed.
The loss of Gastón Fernando Burlón has shed light on the dangers present in certain regions, even as they draw tourists eager to experience their beauty.
