Ricardo dos Santos: barreled at Tahiti | Photo: ASP/Kirstin

The Brazilian pro surfer Ricardo dos Santos is battling for his life after being shot three times by two men, in Praia da Guarda do Embaú, near Palhoca, in Brazil.

Dos Santos suffered three shots in the chest and lungs at 8:50am, while he was making home improvements with his grandfather and two workers.

Apparently, a car arrived and parked over a pipe that was being used in the works. The surfer kindly asked the driver to remove the car from where it was parked, but the answer he got were three bullets.

Other sources confirm Ricardo dos Santos asked the group of men to stop doing drugs and playing loud music in the surroundings, and that is why he was shot immediately.

The suspects were driving a Citroen C3 with Joinville license plates. Local sources report that the duo was under the influence of drugs when fired three bullets at Ricardo dos Santos.

According to the authorities, both suspects have been arrested, and at least one is a military policeman from Joinville. Ricardo dos Santos was still conscious as he was taken to Sao Jose Regional Hospital, in Florianopolis.

He has already undergone surgery and remains in critical condition. Dos Santos' lung and kidney have been seriously injured by the shots. The pro surfer was transferred to the ICU after three surgeries to stop two hemorrhages. Ricardo will be on induced coma on the next 48 hours.

Adriano de Souza is with his friend at the hospital and revealed Ricardo needs blood to survive.

The pro surfing community and all fans are in a state of shock. SurferToday wishes Ricardo dos Santos a speedy recovery.

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