A young comedian tragically lost her life in a terrible accident when a retired judge, allegedly driving under the influence, struck her with his vehicle while a naked woman was on his lap.
Thaís Bonatti, 30, was riding her bicycle to her work at a restaurant in Araçatuba, Brazil when a Ford Ranger pickup, driven by 61-year-old Fernando Augusto Fontes Rodrigues Júnior, reportedly collided with her.
Bonatti suffered catastrophic injuries, including fractures to her pelvis and a traumatic brain injury after early Thursday’s horror crash.
She was rushed to hospital and underwent two surgeries on the same day, reportedly suffering two cardiac arrests during the first.
Despite doctors’ efforts, she died on Saturday.
As detailed in a police report, Rodrigues — formerly a civil court judge and currently a lawyer — had just exited a nightclub in the company of a woman, believed to be a sex worker.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed her nude and trying to get off his lap when the vehicle came to a stop near a supermarket.
Moments later, Rodrigues is said to have stepped on the accelerator, sending the truck into Bonatti.
By the time police arrived, the woman had dressed and fled the scene.
Officers said Rodrigues smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and appeared unsteady on his feet.
He was arrested and charged with manslaughter, but walked free on Friday after paying 40,000 Brazilian reais (around $7,150) in bail.
The judge’s family released a statement expressing sympathy, saying: “Dr. Fernando’s family expresses its deepest condolences and solidarity with the victim’s family, reaffirming its absolute respect for their pain and mourning.
“Since the incident, they have been offering support to the victim’s family.”
His legal team added that Rodrigues is barred from interviews due to the ongoing investigation, stressing: “This silence is not only a legal obligation but also a sign of respect.”
But Bonatti’s family has been left reeling.
Her brother, William de Andrade, blasted the decision to let Rodrigues walk free.
He told local outlet TV TEM: “At that time, I was looking for a coffin for my sister. He paid bail and left.
“He would certainly be sleeping with his family at that time, and I was at the hospital going through the formalities for my sister to be buried.”
De Andrade remembered his sister as a lively and hardworking young woman known for performing at stand-up clubs across São Paulo state.
“She wasn’t mean, 30 years old with the mind of a 20-year-old, besides being a happy and hard-working girl.
“This pain we are going through is very difficult, only God can help us bear it.”
Tributes have since flooded Bonatti’s social media.
One friend wrote: “I love you my friend. On Tuesday when you sent me messages saying you missed me, it was a farewell.”
