Prominent Brazilian journalist killed in chopper crash

RIO DE JANEIRO - Renowned Brazilian journalist Ricardo Boechat died on Monday in a helicopter crash in Sao Paulo.

Boechat was returning from a seminar in nearby city Campinas when the helicopter that was carrying him tried to land on a crowded highway and hit a truck.

Both Boechat and the pilot died on the spot, while the truck driver suffered only minor injuries. No other people were injured.

Ricardo Boechat, aged 66, worked as an anchorman for the night news program at TV station Band. He was also the news anchor at Band's morning radio show.

With more than 40 years of a career in journalism, Boechat used to work at most of Brazil's major newspapers, radio stations and TV stations. He was highly respected as a political news commentator.

Several Brazilian politicians regretted his death. President Jair Bolsonaro released an official statement of condolences, saying he respected Boechat regardless of their differing political views.

"We will miss his work of informing the population, which he carried out for over four decades with much dedication and zeal," Bolsonaro said.