A Brazil soap opera star has drowned in a river after witnesses mistakenly thought the real-life tragedy happening in front of them was part of his show's filming.
Domingos Montagner was swimming with his co-star, Camila Pitanga, when he was dragged under and carried away by the current. The BBC reports she called for help, but locals thought it was a scene for the show and were slow to help.
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Authorities, however, said there was little that anyone could have done, the BBC reports.
The 54-year-old actor starred in Velho Chico. The BBC reports the show's name, loosely translated as "Old Frank," is a reference to the So Francisco river Montagner was swimming in when he died.
Montagner's body was found underwater downstream.
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The local police chief said the area was not safe, and that locals avoid the area for swimming, the O Globo newspaper reports.
Montagner had been married for 14 years to actress Luciana Lima, with whom he had three children.
(AP)