THE five-year-old daughter of a former North-East football coach has been killed in a car crash.

Former Middlesbrough goalkeeping coach Léo Percovich and his family were involved in a car accident in Brazil yesterday afternoon when their car plunged off a 20-metre high road bridge.

The 49-year-old's current club, Brazilian side Fluminense, confirmed his daughter had died.

It is understood to be Antonella, five, who was a pupil at Croft Church of England Primary School in Croft, near Darlington, until the summer, along with her siblings.

Pietro, eight, and Valentina, nine, were seriously injured in the crash and are in a critical condition in intensive care, Brazilian media reported.

Percovich's wife Juliana, 40, sustained a fractured pelvis. 

It is understood the little girl died en route to the hospital.

The couple were understood to be in a stable condition and were still under observation while Pietro and Valentina remained in a critical state.

Reports said the accident took place on the BR 040 highway in the city of Santos Dumont.

Mr Percovich was a popular figure in the village of Neasham, near Darlington, where he lived during his time at Middlesbrough Football Club. 

Today Simon Robson, head teacher of Croft School, said pupils there would be supported in the coming days by the school, with the help of the local authority.

He said: The whole school community... are deeply saddened by the news of what has happened to the Percovich family in Brazil.

"All three children were exceptionally kind, popular and enthusiastic members of our school, and their parents great supporters of the work we do here. The family brought incredible happiness to Croft school.

"All our thoughts and prayers are with Mr and Mrs Percovich and their family. The school, with the help of the local authority, will be supporting the children of Croft school through their sadness in the coming days."

Mr Percovich spent three-and-a-half years at Boro under head coach Aitor Karanka. He left the club in the summer and moved to the Rio de Janeiro area of Brazil to take up his new coaching post in August.

Middlesbrough FC has released a statement confirming the tragedy and sending a message of support to their former coach.

It is understood Percovich, who won six caps for the Uruguayan national team, suffered minor injuries.

His current club Fluminense has announced three days of mourning to mark the loss.

A statement on the Boro website said this morning: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Leo."

A Fluminense spokesman said: "The club deeply regrets the loss, is supporting the coach at this difficult time and decrees official mourning for three days."

Club officials are on their way to the hospital to support the coach and his family.