Authorities in Portugal have confirmed the death of Maycon Douglas, a 25-year-old former contestant on the reality show “Casa dos Segredos” (House of Secrets).[[1]] Douglas, who had been missing sence December 31st after disappearing in Nazaré, was found on Praia do Sul beach Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of grief from fellow contestants and fans alike.[[2]][[3]]
Los Angeles – Former reality television contestant Maycon Douglas has been found dead on Praia do Sul beach in Nazaré, Portugal, authorities confirmed Wednesday, January 7, 2026. He was 25 years old.
Cristina Ferreira, who hosted the season of “Casa dos Segredos” (House of Secrets) in which Douglas appeared, reacted to the news with a post on social media. She shared an emoji and wrote, “This is the smile that remains,” in response to a message of condolence from the show’s production team.
“We will always remember Maycon for his easy smile and peaceful demeanor,” the production team stated. “To his family and friends, we offer our deepest condolences.”
Fellow contestants from “Casa dos Segredos 8” also shared tributes online. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief from the Portuguese reality TV community.
Former ‘Casa dos Segredos 8’ Contestants Remember Maycon Douglas
João Ricardo was among the first to react to the news on social media.
“Today there’s no point in talking about anything other than pain. The pain of a mother who has lost a 25-year-old son. Nothing in the world prepares a mother for this. Nothing. My thoughts are especially with your mother. May no one leave her alone. May she feel that her son made a mark, and that it matters. Your memory will live on forever. Rest in peace,” he wrote.
Diogo Afonso recalled that Maycon was one of his “first friends” on the show, expressing sadness that their paths diverged.
“There are people who come into our lives for a short time, but leave a mark that doesn’t fade. Maycon was one of those people for me. Inside, in such an intense experience as ‘Casa dos Segredos,’ he was one of my first friends,” he said. “Outside the house, life took us down different paths. We weren’t the kind of friends who talked every day, or who are always present. But that doesn’t erase what was lived, or what remained.”
“Thank you for being part of my story. For being a friend when I felt alone and uncomfortable. For being laughter, strength and complicity when everything was too intense for me. And sorry if I couldn’t do the same for you,” he added.
Daniela Santo shared a story on “Somos 22,” while Rita Almeida posted photos and videos of moments shared with Maycon Douglas during their time on the show.
Marcelo shared a photo of himself embracing Maycon, writing: “I still have no words.” Afonso Leitão emphasized that Maycon “will always be remembered, never forgotten!” and shared a video of the Brazilian contestant, adding: “I don’t understand why life insists on taking those who we miss the most.”
Meanwhile, Ana Costa noted that “the moments, the memories and an inexplicable emptiness remain,” while Jéssica Vieira simply shared a photo with Maycon.
Bruna Gomes Remembers a “Young Man Who Had So Much Life”
Bruna Gomes, a commentator on “Casa dos Segredos 8,” expressed her “condolences to the family, friends and followers” of Maycon.
“May God comfort your hearts, a young man who had so much life. May time bring peace,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Meus pêsames para família, amigos e seguidores do Maycon. Que Deus conforte o coração de vocês, um jovem que tinha tanta vida. Que o tempo traga paz.
— Bruna Gomes (@brunapgo) January 7, 2026
Douglas originally entered “Casa dos Segredos 8” in 2024 with the secret “We are a fake couple,” shared with Renata, with whom he later had a relationship that ended.
He went missing in the early hours of December 31, 2025, after leaving a bar in Nazaré, where he was performing as a DJ. Friends, using the last known location from his phone, searched near the São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse.
Maycon’s car was found submerged, but no one was inside or in the surrounding area. Only a jacket belonging to the young man was found near the wrecked vehicle.
On Wednesday, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) confirmed that “a body, which appears to be that of the young man who has been missing since the early hours of December 31, was found this afternoon, January 7, on Praia do Sul, in the municipality of Nazaré.”
The alert was given at 1:50 PM.
