Wife of presenter Léo Batista is found dead at home

Leyla Chavantes Belinaso, wife of presenter Léo Batista, 89, died this Saturday at the couple’s home in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro. She suffered a heart attack and was found in the couple’s pool by the journalist.

According to a press release from the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Léo Batista was inside the house while Leyla was at the edge of the pool. When he came out of the property, he found the woman clutching a noodle-type float and her face in the water.

The journalist even dived in to try to rescue her, but she was already dead. The military police were called and went to the place, where the death was confirmed.

The family members called Leyla’s doctor to certify the death and later release the body. She was 84 years old.

Read the full statement from the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro:

“The Press Office of the Secretary of State for Military Police informs that a team from the 18th BPM (Jacarepaguá) was called to Rua Arco Íris, in Anil, in Jacarepaguá, in the west zone, for a drowning event, this Saturday ( 01/29).

According to the victim’s husband, she was by the pool and he was inside the residence. As he left, he came across the woman holding a float noodle and her face in the water.

He immediately dived in to retrieve it, but he was already dead. The family members made contact with the victim’s doctor in order to certify the death and release the body.

Registration in the 32nd DP.”