“We are crying and in mourning for the death of our leader who could have changed Brazil.” Banner from the Facebook of the PSB branch in Franca, São Paulo.

Eduardo Campos, 49, died today at 10:15 a.m. in a plane crash in the city of Santos, São Paulo. The former governor of the state of Pernambuco was a presidential candidate in elections set to be held in October.

The private jet crashed as it was preparing to land in bad weather, killing Campos and the six other crew and passengers.

Campos placed third in the polls, running for the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB). Campos died on the same day, Aug. 13, as his grandfather Miguel Arraes, one of the most prominent socialist political figures of Brazilian politics in the 20th century.

He leaves a widow, four sons and a daughter.

His death was a shock for many in the country, which has been rocked by anti-government protests throughout the last year. People reacted and offered their condolences on Twitter: 

Brasil chocado de norte a sul com a morte de Eduardo Campos
— Alcinéa Cavalcante (@alcinea) agosto 13, 2014

From north to south, Brazil is shocked by Eduardo Campos’ death

Nao posso acreditar o que aconteceu com Eduardo Campos, Brasil ta chocado, meu Deus!!! Muita foda acontece.

— Leonardo Gabriel (@Lebito) agosto 13, 2014

I can't believe what has happened to Eduardo Campos, Brazil is shocked, my God! What the hell, this happened

Estou chocado com a noticia da morte de Eduardo Campos. Grandíssima perda. Sem palavras.

— Diego D'Ermoggine (@diegoder) agosto 13, 2014

I am shocked by Eduardo Campos’ death. Immense loss. I have no words.

Eduardo Campos foi um grande lutador das causas democráticas. Estou chocado. Hoje é um dia muito triste.

— Sergio Amadeu (@samadeu) agosto 13, 2014

Eduardo Campos was a great fighter of democratic causes. I am shocked. This is a very sad day.