In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the literary community, Pedro Sobral, the director of LeYa and president of the Portuguese Association of Publishers and Booksellers (APEL), was killed in a cycling accident in Belém, Lisbon, on Saturday morning. He was 51 years old.
In a statement, LeYa expressed profound sorrow over Sobral’s passing, describing it as a loss with “irreparable damage” not only to the company but also to the broader literary community. The statement highlighted Sobral’s strong connections with editors, writers, booksellers, and readers, emphasizing the impact he had on the industry.
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, also extended his condolences, acknowledging Sobral’s significant contributions to the publishing sector and culture at large. He particularly noted Sobral’s role in the Festa do Livro in Belém, where he was a key figure.
The news of Sobral’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and friends within the literary community. Many have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Sobral’s influence and dedication to the world of books.
As the community mourns this significant loss, LeYa has committed to continuing the projects that Sobral had been leading, viewing this as a fitting tribute to his legacy.
