Chapecoense plane crash survivor dies playing soccer

Kids walk in with the flag of Chapecoense Football Club for a minute of silence...Getty

One of the six survivors of the 77 people on board the plane that crashed carrying the Brazilian football team Chapecoense in 2016, Journalist Rafael Henzel, has died of heart attack that struck while he was
playing soccer with friends.

The announcement was made on Thursday by his employers Radio Oeste Capital.

45-year old Henzel had been on the plane to Medellin in November 2016 as a radio journalist when the aircraft ran out of fuel, with 19 members of the Chapecoense team losing their lives.

According to Radio Oeste Capital: "He was playing football with friends when he had a heart attack. He was rushed to hospital in Chapeco, where unfortunately he was declared dead."

On its website, the Brazilian club said: "Throughout his brilliant career, Rafael told the story of Chapecoense,"

"We wholeheartedly hope that the family will have the strength to face yet another difficult time and this irreparable loss. The feelings and prayers of all the Chapecoenses, fans and listeners, are with you."

Henzel published a book in June 2017 titled "Live each day as if it were your last".

"I have two dates of birth," he said in his book.

"I am Brazilian and Colombian and it won't be enough merely to live, I have to justify it," he explained.

The other five survivors include: three footballers and two members of the plane crew.