Afonso Gonçalves, a 21-year-old student from Guimarães, tragically lost his life on Sunday night in Lisbon. The incident occurred on Avenida dos EUA when Afonso, who was studying at Nova University in Lisbon, was hit by a taxi driver who has since fled the scene.
According to the Correio da Manhã, Afonso had been leaving a friend’s house when the accident took place. Witnesses reported that the driver of a Skoda taxi did not stop to provide assistance and drove away immediately. The impact of the collision was so severe that Afonso was thrown approximately 17 meters from the crosswalk where he was crossing.
Emergency services, including INEM, were called to the scene, and Afonso was rushed to São José Hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries, and his death was pronounced shortly after arrival.
The Portuguese police (PSP) are currently working to identify and locate the taxi driver responsible for the accident.
Afonso’s father, Paulo Gonçalves, was a well-known figure in the Tuna Veterana da Universidade Portucalense, and Afonso himself was an active member of the Antúnia tuna at his university. In a statement of condolence, the Tuna Veterana do Porto expressed their sorrow, stating, “Afonso, himself a member of Antúnia, leaves us in the prime of his life… As parents, we can hardly fathom such a profound grief. At times like this, words fail us or seem insufficient.”