The girl, one of three children of former Middlesbrough FC goalkeeping coach Leo Percovich, died after the family car fell from the top of a 20-metre high road bridge on Saturday.

Her brother and sister were last night said to be in a critical condition in intensive care.

The coach and his family were well-known the village of Neasham, near Darlington, where they lived until August this year.

Uruguayan Mr Percovich, 49, suffered more minor injuries and wife Juliana, 40, sustained a broken pelvis in the accident.

They are both understood to be in a stable condition.

Mr Percovich worked at Middlesbrough for three-and-a half-years under former manager Aitor Karanka, before moved to Brazil to take a job with his old club Fluminense in August.

The children all attended Croft Church of England Primary School, in Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington, and had many friends.

Head teacher Simon Robson said that pupils would be supported, with the help of the school and local authority, as they digest the tragic news.

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."

People in Neasham spoke of their shock.

Alex Mckee, manager of the Fox and Hounds in the village, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family. They came in here a couple of times and had one of their daughter’s birthday parties here.

“Our thoughts and best wishes go out to them and everyone in the village is thinking of them.”

Neighbours, Alison and Andy Macnaughton-Jones, who lived opposite the family and whose daughter Hannah, 12, would play with the children, said: “It’s hard news to wake up to – it’s just the shock of it and just a horrible time of year for it to happen.

“We are thinking of the whole family and wish them a speedy recovery.”

The family were involved in different sport clubs with their children, including football and rugby.

Darlington Spraire Lads and Lasses Football Club secretary, Dave Scott said: “It’s so sad. Leo and his wife brought the kids down to train with our under-7s when they were just young and Pietro played for quite a while.

“We offer our absolute heartfelt condolences for the family – it’s just such a shame. We are gutted for Leo, his wife and children that have survived.”

Sam Goldsbrough, chairman for the junior section at Northallerton Rugby Club, said: “On behalf of the junior section we are all devastated by the news. They family are a valued part of the junior section – they always came down on a Sunday morning and supported Pietro and get involved because they thought it was wonderful what we were doing.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”

Reports said the accident took place on the BR 040 highway in the city of Santos Dumont, not far from the family's home in Rio de Janeiro.

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

It read: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Leo."

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

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