FORMER Middlesbrough coach Leo Percovich and his family have been left devastated after being involved in a tragic car accident in Brazil.
The Uruguayan was driving in the Santos Dumont region of Zona da Mata with his wife and three children in the early hours of yesterday morning when their car plunged off a 20-metre high road bridge.
Perovich, who is currently working with Fluminese's Under-20s, suffered "slight injuries" as a result on the incident but has been left reeling after it tragically claimed the life of one of his daughters.
In a statement released on the Brazilian club's website, they confirmed the loss of his young child while his other two kids are fighting for their lives.
It read: "Fluminense confirms that the coach of the club's under-20 team, Leo Percovich, 49, was in the car accident on Saturday in the Santos Dumont region of Zona da Mata.
"Leo Percovich and his wife were rescued and taken to UPA Norte, in Juiz de Fora.
"The coach suffered slight injuries and will undergo examinations throughout the night. The trainer's wife suffered a fractured pelvis.
"Of the couple's children, a boy and a girl are in the CTI of Santa Casa de Juiz de Fora in critical condition and the other daughter of the couple died.
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"The club deeply regrets the loss and is supporting the coach at this difficult time and decrees official mourning for three days.
"A member of the club staff is on the way to Juiz de Fora. More information to follow."
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Boro also tweeted: "We woke this morning to some tragic news from Brazil where our former goalkeeping coach Leo Percovic has been involved in a car accident which has claimed the life of one of his children.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you Leo."
Percovich joined Middlesbrough as part of Aitor Karanka's backroom staff in 2013 and became a huge hit with the Riverside faithful for his emotional displays on the touchline and memorable celebrations as he helped the club to win promotion to the Premier League in 2016.
He left the club last summer following the arrival of Garry Monk and headed back to South America.
A number of Boro players past and present also shared their devastation and support for Percovich on social media.
Ex-defender and Real Madrid star Jonathan Woodgate wrote on Instagram: "My thoughts are prayers are with big Leo and his family at this sad time."
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Ben Gibson wrote: "Absolutely devastated to wake up and hear about Leo and his family... don't really know what to say but we are all praying for you mate."
While Boro goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos said: "I have no words.
"Completely devastated. Stay strong my friend."
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