The sea and war captain and geriatric doctor, Gisele Mendes de Souza e Mello, aged 55, was director of the Brasília Naval Hospital during the covid-19 pandemic. According to Navy colleagues, she stood out in leading the institution during that period.
She died on Tuesday afternoon (10), after being shot in the head inside the Marcílio Dias Naval Hospital complexin the north of Rio de Janeiro, while participating in an event in the auditorium of the Brazilian Navy School of Health. The shot that hit the doctor was fired during a police operation in the Community of Gambá, which is neighboring the hospital. According to the State Secretariat of Military Police, agents from the Lins Pacification Police Unit (UPP) were attacked when they arrived at the scene.
“Gisele was highly respected and admired by everyone. She inspired us with the way she faced and overcame challenges, of which there were many throughout her almost 30-year career in the Navy. When she was director of the Brasília Naval Hospital, Gisele brilliantly led the mission of being in charge of one of the Navy’s main hospitals during the pandemic. We will always remember Gisele for her leadership, cordiality, professionalism and full dedication to serving the country. We are all very sad,” said Adriana Lopes, captain and director of the Navy School of Health.
In a statement, the Navy informed that “the burial of Sea and War Medical Captain Gisele Mendes Souza e Mello will be held privately tomorrow (12), with only the presence of family, friends and colleagues from the Naval Force. During the funeral, the appropriate funeral honors will be provided, conducted by the Brazilian Navy. The family requests that their privacy be respected at this time of deep pain.”
