World · Latin America · 2 hrs ago
Doctor found dead at rural property in Xanxerê, southern Brazil
Police found doctor José Augusto Nogueira Ribas dead on a rural property in Xanxerê, in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.
He had been missing since early Monday, the same day his body was found.
Initial forensic examinations found no visible external injuries or signs of homicide.
An accidental death is one possibility, but investigators have not established the cause.
Santa Catarina Civil Police opened an inquiry and have 30 days under the legal deadline to complete it.
Ribas, about 30, had worked at the Hospital Regional do Oeste since January 2025, and health officials and the hospital association expressed their condolences.
Police found doctor José Augusto Nogueira Ribas dead inside a manure storage facility on a rural property in Xanxerê, Santa Catarina.
He had been missing since the early hours of Monday, November 9.
Initial forensic analyses found no visible external signs of violence or indications of homicide.
An accidental death is among the possibilities being considered, but the cause has not been established.
Police have opened an investigation, which is being handled by the local police station.
- Who
- José Augusto Nogueira Ribas, a doctor about 30 years old.
- What
- He was found dead inside a manure storage facility. The cause of death has not been established.
- When
- Monday, November 9; he had been missing since the early hours of that day.
- Where
- A rural property on Linha Passo Trancado in Xanxerê, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil.
- Why
- Not stated. Police are investigating; accidental death is one possibility.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ribas was reported missing.
Police found his body inside a manure storage facility on a rural property in Xanxerê.
Police completed preliminary examinations at the scene and opened an investigation.
- Doctor
- José Augusto Nogueira Ribas
- Age
- About 30
- Property location
- Linha Passo Trancado, Xanxerê
- Hospital role
- Joined the Hospital Regional do Oeste team in January 2025
- Investigation deadline
- 30 days for completion
What people are saying
Excellent professional and beloved colleague, Guto, as he was affectionately called, had been part of the Hospital Regional do Oeste team since January 2025, making a contribution and building a career marked by care, professionalism and the relationships formed during his time at the institution. In this moment of grief, we stand with his family, friends and colleagues, wishing them strength and comfort.