The sporting world woke up to tragedy Tuesday morning as it learned of a plane crash outside of Medellin, Colombia that took the lives of 76 people, including members of Brazilian first division club Chapecoense.
In the midst of a storybook season, Chapecoense was travelling to Medellin for the Copa Sudamericana finals — the equivalent of the UEFA Europa League tournament. According to early reports, three members of the team survived the crash.
The club has released a statement on Facebook and a pair of tweets since news of the crash, including a modified team crest and video of the team after it booked a spot in the tournament final.
The video’s caption reads, “May this be the final image of our warriors.”
Chapecoense striker Alejandro Martinuccio, who didn’t travel with the team due to injury, asked people to “Pray for my companions, please.”
AlejandroMartinuccio on Twitter
The rest of the soccer world has taken to social media to express its sadness. Here is just some of the reaction that continues to pour in.
— With files from Associated Press