Tragedy in Rio: Former Bariloche Tourism Secretary Gastón Burlón Dies After fatal Shooting in Favela
The tourism community in Argentina is mourning the loss of Gastón Burlón, the former Secretary of Tourism of Bariloche, who tragically passed away after being shot during an assault in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The incident occurred on december 12, 2024, when Burlón and his family were returning from a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. A GPS error led them into the dangerous Morro dos Prazeres favela,an area controlled by drug traffickers from the Red Command.
Burlón, 51, was shot in the head and chest during the attack. He was instantly rushed to the Souza Aguiar Municipal Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, where he underwent complex surgery. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries after a month-long battle in a coma.
The Bariloche Chamber of Tourism confirmed the news, expressing profound sorrow. In a statement shared on social media, they described Burlón as “a committed and visionary reference, whose work marked a significant contribution to those who had the privilege of knowing him and working at his side.” They added, “With deep regret, the Bariloche Chamber of Tourism, together with all the institutions that comprise it, mourns the death of Gastón Burlón, a leader whose passion for the promotion of tourism and our destination will be remembered as a valuable contribution to the progress of our community.”
At the time of the attack, Burlón was accompanied by his partner, nadia Loza, who serves as the Secretary of Tourism of Salta, and his two sons, Agustín and Santiago, along with one of their girlfriends. Fortunately, they escaped unharmed.
Burlón’s career was marked by his dedication to the tourism sector. He served as Secretary of Tourism of bariloche during the administration of Mayor gustavo Gennuso and, in December 2023, became the head of the Argentine Chamber of Student Tourism (CATE). His contributions to the industry were widely recognized, and his loss has left a void in the community he passionately served.
The tragic incident has sparked conversations about safety for tourists in Rio de Janeiro, especially in areas prone to violence. Burlón’s death serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with navigating unfamiliar territories, even with modern technology like GPS.
Key Details at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Detail | Information |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Name | Gastón Burlón |
| Age | 51 |
| Role | Former Secretary of Tourism of Bariloche, Head of CATE |
| Incident Date | December 12, 2024 |
| Location | Morro dos Prazeres favela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wounds to the head and chest |
| Hospital | Souza Aguiar Municipal Hospital, Rio de Janeiro |
| Survived By | Partner Nadia Loza, sons Agustín and Santiago |
The tourism industry has lost a visionary leader, and the community continues to reflect on Burlón’s legacy. His passion for promoting tourism and his dedication to his work will not be forgotten.
For more details on the incident, you can read the full report The Fateful Day
The Burlón family,accompanied by Agustín’s girlfriend,Micaela,had just begun their tour of Rio. Gastón Burlón, a prominent figure in Argentina’s tourism sector, was behind the wheel of a rented vehicle, navigating the winding roads of Santa Teresa. The group was en route to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, following GPS directions, when tragedy struck. “Around 2:30 p.m., we turned down a narrow, steep street in Santa Teresa,” recounted Nadia Loza, gastón’s wife.“Everything seemed normal until two people appeared, pointing guns at us from both sides.” The assailants fired four shots, causing the car to lose control and crash into a wall. The scene quickly descended into chaos. Agustín, Gastón’s eldest son, leaped out of the car, confronting the attackers with a desperate cry: “You killed my dad!” The family’s anguish was palpable as they grappled with the sudden violence. Gastón Burlón was no ordinary tourist. A seasoned professional in Argentina’s tourism industry, he had dedicated his career to promoting travel and hospitality. His journey began at the Horizontes Patagónico tourism agency in San Carlos de Bariloche, a venture he founded over two decades ago.In 2017, Burlón was appointed Secretary of tourism for Bariloche, a role that underscored his influence in the sector. his tenure was marked by significant contributions to the city’s tourism infrastructure, which plays a vital role in the local economy. Following a change in municipal leadership,Burlón transitioned to the presidency of the Argentine Chamber of Student Tourism,further cementing his legacy. Beyond his professional achievements, Burlón was a beloved figure in his community. He served as president of the Bariloche club Estudiantes Unidos, where he was known for his dedication and leadership. The news of Burlón’s death has sent shockwaves through Bariloche and beyond. Colleagues, friends, and family have expressed their grief, remembering him as a visionary leader and a devoted family man. The tragedy has also sparked conversations about tourist safety in Rio de Janeiro, a city known for its vibrant culture but also its challenges with crime. | Aspect | Details | As the Burlón family mourns their loss, questions about safety measures for tourists in high-risk areas remain. Authorities in Rio de Janeiro have yet to release a statement regarding the incident,but the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and improved security protocols.For those planning to visit Rio, it’s crucial to stay informed about local conditions and take precautions. Resources like the U.S. department of State’s travel advisories can provide valuable insights into safety concerns. The burlón family’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow. As the world reflects on this tragedy, Gastón burlón’s contributions to tourism and his community will not be forgotten. What are your thoughts on tourist safety in high-risk destinations? Share your insights in the comments below. The fatal incident occurred on December 12, 2024, in the Morro dos Prazeres favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Burlón was fatally wounded by gunshots to the head and chest during an armed assault while on a family vacation. He was accompanied by his partner,Nadia Loza,the Secretary of Tourism of Salta,his two sons,Agustín and Santiago,and Agustín’s girlfriend,Micaela.Fortunately, they escaped unharmed, but the attack has shaken the family and the community. The family was en route to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, following GPS directions, when they turned down a narrow, steep street in santa Teresa. around 2:30 p.m., two assailants appeared, pointing guns at them from both sides. The attackers fired four shots, causing the car to lose control and crash into a wall. The scene descended into chaos as Agustín confronted the attackers, shouting, “You killed my dad!” Burlón’s tragic death has sparked conversations about the safety of tourists in Rio de Janeiro, especially in areas prone to violence. His loss serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with navigating unfamiliar territories, even with modern technology like GPS. The incident highlights the importance of safety and awareness for travelers worldwide. Burlón’s contributions to the tourism industry were widely recognized, and his death has left a void in the community he passionately served. His legacy will be remembered thru his dedication to promoting tourism and his valuable contributions to the progress of the industry. For more details on the incident, you can read the full report Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | details | |—————————|———————————————————————————| | Name | Gastón Burlón | | Age | 51 | | Role | Former Secretary of Tourism of Bariloche,Head of CATE | | Incident Date | December 12,2024 | | Location | Morro dos Prazeres favela,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil | | cause of Death | Gunshot wounds to the head and chest | | Hospital | Souza Aguiar Municipal Hospital,Rio de Janeiro | | Survived By | Partner Nadia Loza,sons Agustín and Santiago | Let us honor Gastón Burlón’s memory by continuing to advocate for safer tourism practices and celebrating his contributions to the industry.Gastón Burlón: A Legacy in Tourism
A Community in Mourning
Key Details at a Glance
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date of Incident | December 12, 2023 |
| Location | Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro |
| Victim | Gastón Burlón, former Secretary of tourism, Bariloche |
| Assailants | Two armed individuals |
| Impact | Car crash, fatal shooting, family trauma |
| Legacy | Founder of Horizontes Patagónico, former president of estudiantes Unidos |Moving Forward
The tragic death of gastón Burlón, a prominent leader in argentina’s tourism sector, has deeply impacted both the industry and the broader community. burlón, who was 51 years old, was known for his unwavering dedication to promoting tourism and his visionary leadership. His career included serving as the Secretary of Tourism of Bariloche during the administration of Mayor Gustavo Gennuso and, more recently, becoming the head of the Argentine Chamber of Student Tourism (CATE) in December 2023.Related posts:
