Journalist Wander Santos dies in Ipatinga Journalist and radio host Dilson Francisco Wander Santos died at the age of 75 on Wednesday afternoon (17), in Ipatinga. Founder of Jornal Classivale, he had been hospitalized since April 5th at Hospital Márcio Cunha, after suffering a serious heart attack followed by cardiorespiratory arrest. Born in Viçosa, in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, Wander Santos was born on August 16, 1950 and was known as “Tininim” in his hometown. In the sports chronicle, he was also known by the nickname “Cabecinha Feita”. For more than four decades he lived in Vale do Aço, where he consolidated a career marked by work on the radio, in the written press and in sports journalism. 📲 Click here to follow the g1 Vales channel on WhatsApp According to his wife, Dalizete Peixoto, during his hospitalization the journalist faced complications resulting from the long period in hospital, including lung infections, which made recovery difficult. Trajectory in communication His interest in communication arose when he was still young, when he began his career at Rádio Montanhesa de Viçosa. In 1980, he moved to Vale do Aço at the invitation of radio broadcaster Edmar Moreira to work at Rádio Educadora, where he began to lead journalistic and entertainment programs. In 1985, alongside his wife, Dalizete Peixoto, he founded Jornal Classivale, where he worked as an editor, writer and sports columnist for decades. In the newspaper, he wrote a traditional column in which he analyzed Minas Gerais and national football and commented behind the scenes of the sport. Wander Santos interviews Ipatinga's then coach, Ney Franco Reproduction/Personal Archive Throughout his career, he also worked for important broadcasters in Minas Gerais, including Rádio Itatiaia, Rádio Vanguarda and Rádio Montanhesa. He also made occasional appearances as a guest commentator on MG Inter TV 1st Edition, currently Inter 1, on Inter TV dos Vales. More recently, he participated in the Vox Radio sports bulletin. In addition to working in communication, Wander also dedicated himself to community actions. He participated in the Public Security Council (Consep) of Ipatinga and was involved in activities at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, in the Cariru neighborhood. In a photo posted in November 2025 on social media, Wander Santos records the moment as a reader at mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, together with his wife Dalizete Peixoto. Reproduction/Personal Archive Wander Santos leaves behind his wife, Dalizete Peixoto, his children Kliver, Klinter and Klinger, as well as family, friends and professional colleagues. Tributes The journalist's death had repercussions among authorities and communications professionals in Vale do Aço. On social media, the mayor of Ipatinga, Gustavo Nunes, lamented the death of Wander Santos. In a publication, he stated that he received “with sadness the news of the death of journalist Wander Santos, one of the great names in communication in Vale do Aço” and expressed solidarity with his wife, Dalizete Peixoto, family, friends and professional colleagues, wishing comfort and serenity in this moment of farewell. Until the publication of this report, the family had not yet released information about Wander Santos' wake and burial. READ ALSO: Ana Paula case: MP requested preventive arrest of her ex-husband hours before the feminicide in Governador Valadares Hailstorm hits Manhuaçu and cities in Zona da Mata and affects coffee nurseries Civil Police indict man who chased and killed ex-partner inside workshop in MG Videos from the East and Northeast of Minas Gerais See other news from the region at g1 Vales de Minas Gerais.