Tragic Discovery: Brazilian Student Found in Distress After 40 Days on the Streets of Lisbon

Brazilian Student Found in Critical Condition

Thayla da Motta, a 26-year-old student from the University of Aveiro, was discovered by authorities in extreme vulnerability after being missing for over a month. She was found on Saturday night, malnourished and dehydrated, and was immediately taken to a hospital for care.

According to her sister, Dhembla Araujo, Thayla was located near Lisbon Airport with a man who fled the scene upon police arrival. Dhembla expressed concerns about this man, suspecting he may have coerced Thayla. Another sister, Kimberly Brenda, voiced her fears, noting that if the man were a friend, he wouldn’t have run from the police.

A crowdfunding campaign was initiated by Thayla's family to assist in bringing her back to Brazil, as they stated she was in no condition to travel alone. The target for the fundraiser has been set at 15,000 reais for two round-trip tickets.

The Public Security Police confirmed Thayla was found near the Sete Rios bus station, recognized by a passerby who had seen her in the news. Reports indicate that she had spent over 40 days on the streets, and upon her discovery, she was very confused and distressed, having suffered from severe dehydration and hunger.

Background and Circumstances

Thayla, who moved from Guará to Portugal in October of the previous year, was studying Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. She was reported missing after disappearing from the Porto bus station on December 15. Prior to her disappearance, Thayla had communicated difficulties in finding housing and was struggling financially, even attempting to raise funds on GoFundMe to support her living expenses and education.

Friends noted she had expressed a desire to return home, citing challenges in securing a job as an English teacher and mentioning she had left her dormitory to sleep at the bus station. Sources from the University of Aveiro confirmed her active enrollment, but she had vacated her residence and returned her keys.

Thayla's situation highlights the difficulties faced by many international students in Portugal, particularly in terms of financial stability and access to support services.