News by email Donate

Suggestions

Diogo-Camacho-and-Madeira-tree-main_article_image.jpg
Facebook and ASPRESS via AP
World News

Tree killed father and baby he prayed for

Gustavo Camacho was being carried by his father Diogo at the Lady of the Mount festival on the island of Madeira where a 200 year old oak collapsed, killing them both.

Jose, the father of Gustavo and Diogo's wife Joana told the Correio da Manha newspaper: "Physically she may end up all right, but she'll be destoryed like the whole family."

The family were among worshippers who had gathered on hills near the island's main town of Funchal to mark Catholic Assumption Day, the day Catholics celebrate the day they believe Mary was taken up to heaven.

ASPRESS via AP

Diogo Camacho, who was a mechanic, was holding 15 month old Gustavo in his arms when the tree collapsed. Joana, who had been collecting candles survived with injuries.

Speaking at the time, Jean Faulkner, a member of the intercessors teams at Holy Trinity Church Funchal, told Premier she was shocked at the news of the tree collapse.

She said: "When something like this happens, you think 'Why at this particular time does this tree fall?' It's just so sad and so shocking, to have killed so many people and to have injured many people.

"Prayer is the key to help the hurts of these people. We pray for the staff in the hospital, which is very small and quite over-crowded. We pray for the nursing staff who will be dealing with people afterwards."

People from the Netherlands, Germany, France and Portugal were among 49 other people injured in the incident. An investigation by local authorities is now underway.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate