Brazilian Comedian Killed in Drunk Driving Crash Involving Ex-Judge and Naked Passenger

Thais Bonatti, left, was run over by Fernando Augusto Fontes Rodrigues Junior, right

A 30-year-old comedian and restaurant worker, Thaís Bonatti, tragically died after being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by a former judge under the influence of alcohol, in a crash that has sparked national outrage in Brazil.

The fatal incident occurred early Thursday in Araçatuba, São Paulo state, as Bonatti was cycling to her job. She was reportedly hit by a Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by 61-year-old Fernando Augusto Fontes Rodrigues Júnior, a retired civil court judge who now practices law.

Fernando Augusto Fontes Rodrigues Junior, a former judge, 61, reportedly slammed his Ford Ranger pickup into her in the early hours of Thursday

According to authorities, Rodrigues had just left a nightclub and was accompanied by a woman believed to be a sex worker. Surveillance footage allegedly shows the woman nude and attempting to move off his lap as the vehicle idled near a supermarket. Moments later, Rodrigues reportedly accelerated and struck Bonatti.

The impact left Bonatti with severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis and traumatic brain injury. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent two emergency surgeries that same day, suffering two cardiac arrests during the first operation. Despite intensive medical efforts, she died on Saturday.

Thais known for performing at stand-up clubs across São Paulo state

Police said Rodrigues smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and was visibly unsteady when officers arrived. The female passenger had dressed and fled the scene by then. Rodrigues was arrested and charged with manslaughter but was released on Friday after posting bail of 40,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $7,150).

In a public statement, Rodrigues' family offered condolences: “Dr. Fernando's family expresses its deepest condolences and solidarity with the victim's family, reaffirming its absolute respect for their pain and mourning. Since the incident, they have been offering support to the victim's family.”

His legal team stated that Rodrigues is refraining from public comments due to the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that “this silence is not only a legal obligation but also a sign of respect.”

Thais Bonatti was killed in a horror crash on her way to work. She suffered two cardiac arrests during first surgery and died on Saturday

The victim’s family, however, expressed deep frustration over the bail release. Her brother, William de Andrade, criticized the decision, saying, “At that time, I was looking for a coffin for my sister. He paid bail and left. He was sleeping at home while I was at the hospital completing burial formalities.”

De Andrade described Bonatti as a joyful, dedicated woman known for her stand-up comedy performances across São Paulo. “She wasn’t mean, 30 years old with the mind of a 20-year-old, besides being a happy and hard-working girl. This pain we are going through is very difficult. Only God can help us bear it.”

Tributes have poured in on Bonatti’s social media accounts, where friends mourned her untimely loss. One post read: “I love you, my friend. On Tuesday when you sent me messages saying you missed me, it was a farewell.”

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.