A Brazilian doctor has died after suffering a heart attack as he delivered a child.
Francisco Xavier do Carmo’s medic son Fabricio was among the health professionals who made repeated attempts to try to resuscitate him.
The drama occurred on Sunday at Nair Alves de Souza Hospital in the city of Paulo Afonso in the north-east Brazilian state of Bahia.
Footage taken at the hospital after Francisco was declared dead showed colleagues applauding and breaking down in tears as they hugged each other while his body was wheeled out on a stretcher.
Tributes have been paid to the popular obstetrician today, who was married with three children.
City hall officials in Paulo Afonso said in a statement on their official Instagram site as it declared three days of mourning: ‘With great sorrow, the Municipal Council of Paulo Afonso deeply regrets the death of the dear Dr Francisco Xavier do Carmo, a gigantic loss for our entire city.
‘Dr. Francisco was not just an exemplary doctor — he was an extraordinary human being, who dedicated his life to caring for others with love, empathy, and commitment.
‘Your remarkable presence, your generosity, and your dedication to public health have transformed lives and left an unforgettable mark on our history.
‘In this moment of sorrow, we join together with your children Fabricio, Isabela and Talita Xavier, also doctors and collaborators of Nair Alves de Souza Hospital, in extending our solidarity to the entire family, friends, colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
‘Out of respect and recognition for his achievements, we are declaring three days of mourning.
No further details were revealed about the woman whose child he had been preparing to deliver and what happened to her as the tragedy unfolded.
Colleague Adilma Souza said online it had been an honour to have worked with Francisco, saying he loved his work and always treated his medical team to chocolate cake and Coca Cola after surgery.
Another said: ‘Rest in peace. Francisco always worked out of his love for people.’
Banda Amorim wrote in a tribute: ‘A great human being who brought sensitive, empathy and care to medicine.’
Carlos Alexandre said: ‘The best doctor I ever worked with. Rest in peace my dear Francisco Xavier. I have lost a great friend.’
