A POPULAR DJ and reality TV star whose body was pulled from the ocean following a seven day search may have been murdered, police say.
A probe into the death of Brazilian artist Maycon Douglas, 26, has been launched just days after his body was recovered.
Douglas vanished after he went home with a friend, following a New Year’s Eve gig at a local bar.
After a seven day search, his body washed up on shore and recovered by firefighters from the water at Praia do Sul in the coastal town of Nazare in central Portugal, according to the National Maritime Authority.
A spokesperson from the authority said Douglas had been taken to the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Leiria, where an autopsy would be conducted.
Police say they were looking at all options in their investigation, including the chance he was murdered.
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Fears for Douglas’ safety escalated after his car was found submerged near Praia do Norte several days ago.
Antonio Silva – the fisherman who found the artist’s body – alerted the authorities, saying he had recognised Douglas by his tattoos.
His body was found near the area where his car was located.
Douglas was known in Portugal following an appearance on reality TV show Casa Dos Segredos – the Portuguese version Secret Story – a spin-off of Big Brother.
A friend later confirmed his death on social media, saying Douglas’ family had been devastated by the news.
The friend requested respect, understanding and privacy for the family through their grief.
Douglas’ mother reportedly became unwell and was taken to hospital the day before his body was found, becoming overwhelmed with no news of her son’s location.
Raquel Coelho – Douglas’ girlfriend – shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media, saying: “I would give anything to have you back, anything.”
“You came into my life when I wasn’t expecting it, and you have no idea how grateful I am that you appeared,” she wrote.
“You made me believe again that it’s possible to find good people and that it’s possible to love and have that love returned.”
Just hours prior to his disappearance, Douglas had shared an Instagram post celebrating the New Year.
“One of the most meaningful dates for me is New Year’s… why?” he wrote.
“I don’t know.
“Maybe that feeling of starting over, even knowing that, deep down, everything is the same.”
“To those who have always supported me: this only makes sense with you. 2026 is about vision, discipline, and consistency. Happy New Year, family,” he added.
The investigation remains ongoing.