Pilot Rubens Barrichello paid tribute to Jesse Koza, a Brazilian traveler who died in a car accident in the United States. The pilot flew Dodongo’s “twin”, the 1978 Beetle, which the traveler drove through America.
Rubens Barrichello pilots the “twin” Dodongo, Beetle Jessie and Shurastay. Photo: @rubarrichello/Reproduction/Internet“A very emotional day, but Jesse’s dream came true. Thank you to everyone involved and family for allowing us to do all of this,” wrote Barrichello.
The car is a replica of the Beetle, as the original was destroyed in an accident on a US highway. According to the pilot, the delivery of what is left of the car will require a lot of bureaucratic procedures.
“A Little Ride” on the Beetle was recorded for the Accelerados YouTube channel in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo and should be airing soon. The channel also features pilot Gerson Campos who shared a video of the experience on Instagram.
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Barrichello recently paid tribute to Jesse in an Instagram post where he recalled meeting a traveler. “What a sad news… Our Jesse and his amazing partner Shurastei have left us. This photo was taken 12 weeks ago in Orlando. It was an unforgettable day… The energy of these two was so magical that I thought that if one day was without the other, they would not be able to survive. Fate wanted you to never part as friends. It was a great honor for me to know them.”
On his channel, Jesse Koz videotaped the day of his visit to the pilot and did not hide his emotions about the fact that he shared the steering wheel of the Beetle with Rubinho.
Aboard the Dodongo, Jesse left Balneario Camboriu, north coast of Santa Catarina, accompanied by Shurastei, a golden retriever. Together they toured America with the goal of reaching Alaska. However, on the highway on May 24, Jesse lost control of the Beetle and collided with another vehicle. He and Shurastei died instantly.
The traveler’s body arrived in Brazil and was buried on June 5 in an emotional ceremony attended by the duo’s family and fans. Shuuastei was cremated in the US, and the ashes have not yet arrived in Brazil, but when he arrives, relatives and friends will also say goodbye to the dog.
Source: Ndmais