 On January 16, 2009, Claudio, one of his teammates, Régis, and the goalkeeper coach Giovani Guimarães were killed in a bus accident in Canguçu, Brazil.The bus tumbled into a 130-foot ravine while returning with the rest of the team after an exhibition victory over Santa Cruz, another third division club.On 19 February 2009, in a match between Brasil Pelotas and Ulbra Canoas, striker Rogério Pereira celebrated the final goal in Ulbra’s 5-2 away win by heading over to the home supporters and making a gesture said to be imitating Claudio Milar's goal celebrations.