Elaine da Silva, a Brazilian news anchor who had been on-air for almost 15 years, has died after being rushed to the hospital in São Paulo earlier this week due to respiratory issues. Cançao Nova, the Catholic television network she worked for, reported her death, which was shared by multiple outlets.
More from Mom.com: Olympic Gold Medalist Tori Bowie Was '7 to 8 Months Pregnant' When She Was Found Dead
Da Silva leaves behind Fernando Carvalho and her 1-year-old son, Leo. She was 23 weeks pregnant at the time of her death with a son they planned to name Rafael. Three years ago, she suffered a miscarriage with another son, who they named Theo.
"At the time, she was very shaken and cried in secret," Ederaldo Paulini, a cameraman for Cançao Nova, told online magazine Revista Quem.
"She always had a smile to offer. She loved life, her family, Our Lady of Aparecida, nature, animals," her colleague Reinaldo César told Revista Quem, as reported by the Daily Mail. "She was passionate about journalism. She always brought a look of hope."
Víctor Freitas, a friend of da Silva's and a reporter for Rede Século 21 television, mourned the loss of his friend on Instagram.
"She encouraged my work from our first contact. Always kind and cheerful. May God welcome you with open arms and comfort your family," his post said.
"We are all very sad this morning. We have just received the news of the death of our beloved Elaine," Paula Guimarães, a Canção Nova news presenter, said. "(She) became spectacular in what she did."
Da Silva started working for Cançao Nova as an intern in 2008 and stayed for 15 years. In 2019, she won the Canção Nova Journalism Award for best report.
According to Healthline, people with a weakened immune system or certain chronic illnesses are more likely to die from pneumonia. While most people do recover from pneumonia, those who have bacterial or fungal cases are at a higher risk of death.
