Brazilian big rider Marcio Freire passed away in Nazaré

He suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest after falling into a wave in a sea that they say was not that big

January 5, 2023

Freire was used to surfing in giant seas. Photo taken from his Instagram by @fred_pompermayer .

Brazilian big wave surfer Marcio Freire died today from drowning while surfing in Nazaré, the website waves.com.br and surfer Thiago Jacaré reported on social media.

In waves that were breaking “not so big,” Jacaré said, he fell while towing, went deep and did not manage to return to the surface alive.

The accident occurred at approximately 16:00 Portuguese time. He was immediately pulled out of the water and resuscitation routines were performed without success. According to the authorities, he had already suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest when the motorcycle rescued him.

Freire was 47 years old and had a life dedicated to big waves. He was one of the first Brazilians to surf at Jaws, where he rode waves, and he also traveled to Indonesia and surfed big waves in Brazil.

Thiago Jacaré posted on his Instagram: “Rest in peace my old and great friend Marcio Freire. More than an idol, a true hero and an exemplary person. I will miss you very much. He came from Hawaii and came straight to the Jaguaruna, he faced the Laje like few others and tattooed Jaguaboys on his body and made a legacy of friends in our region. Go with God, friend.”

In the comments, more than one heavyweight surfer was surprised by the news; Alemao de Maresias, who surfs a lot in Nazaré, wrote: “Be serious, Jacaré, I can’t believe it.”