Lito Sousa, aviation influencer and expert, dies at 59

Influencer and aviation expert Joselito Geraldo de Sousa, known as Lito Sousa, died this Thursday (1st) in São Paulo at the age of 59. The cause of death was the rare Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), diagnosed 41 days ago, according to information released by various sources.

Lito Sousa became well-known for his YouTube channel, Aviões e Músicas, where he explained complex aviation topics in an accessible manner. Before dedicating himself to social media, he worked for over 30 years at major airlines and became a reference in the field of aviation in Brazil.

Lito's wife, Mila Seidl, paid a public tribute on her Instagram account, expressing her love and gratitude for the time they spent together. Lito Sousa leaves behind a seven-year-old son and was noted as an important figure among influencers specializing in aviation in Brazil.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative condition that causes rapid neurological deterioration. As mentioned, it is considered incurable, often leading to death just a few months after the onset of symptoms. Until 2021, Brazil recorded 547 confirmed cases of the disease since 2005, with São Paulo accounting for approximately 37% of those cases.

The disease, characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins that destroy brain cells, usually results in memory loss, behavioral changes, and motor difficulties. Neurologists have warned about the seriousness and rapid progression of this condition.

Lito Sousa's body was laid to rest the morning following his death in São Paulo, with the burial scheduled for the hours that followed.