- Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, died after falling 40 meters from Skeleton Bridge during a guided jump.
- Video evidence indicates her safety rope was not attached before she jumped, leading to the tragic accident.
- Several individuals involved in the jump operation have been detained as authorities investigate potential homicide charges.
LIMEIRA, BRAZIL — Days after a Brazilian woman was accused of posing as a 12-year-old abuse victim to deceive a family into adopting her, another shocking case has captured national attention in Brazil. This time, a 21-year-old woman died after instructors allegedly failed to attach her safety rope before a bridge jump.
Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died Saturday after falling approximately 40 meters (131 feet) from the abandoned Ponte do Esqueleto, commonly known as "Skeleton Bridge," in São Paulo state.
Fatal Fall Captured on Video
According to investigators, Rodrigues de Freitas purchased a guided rope-jumping experience at the bridge, which sits near the municipalities of Limeira and Cordeirópolis.
Video shared online shows instructors carrying the young woman to the edge of the bridge before releasing her.
Moments later, witnesses realized something had gone wrong.
Footage appears to show the safety rope still lying on the bridge after Rodrigues de Freitas was released.
A person recording the incident can be heard shouting that the rope had not been attached.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, and a police helicopter was dispatched, but Rodrigues de Freitas died from her injuries before she could be rescued.
Investigation Underway
Police detained several people connected to the jump operation.
According to reports, three men were arrested at the scene, while additional individuals were later questioned as part of the investigation.
Authorities are investigating whether the organizers may be responsible for homicide with eventual intent, a charge used when someone allegedly accepts the risk that their actions could cause a death.
Investigators are also examining whether the operation was properly licensed and authorized.
Questions About Safety Procedures
Police said preliminary findings suggest the fatal fall may have resulted from a failure to verify that the safety equipment was properly attached before the jump.
Local authorities have reportedly questioned whether the group operating the activity followed required safety protocols.
Some reports indicate the organizers may have been operating without proper authorization.
Officials continue reviewing video evidence and witness statements as part of the investigation.
Victim Remembered
Rodrigues de Freitas was a graduate in physical education and sports management.
Friends and family gathered to mourn her death following the accident.
Reports said her fiancé became ill after arriving at the scene and later required medical treatment.
Social media posts made before the jump have also drawn attention following the tragedy.
Government Agencies Face Scrutiny
The abandoned bridge where the incident occurred has reportedly been unused for years and falls under federal responsibility.
Following the fatal accident, local officials criticized federal authorities over safety concerns surrounding the site.
The City Hall of Limeira announced plans to pursue legal action, arguing that the area lacked sufficient access controls and safety measures.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine exactly how the fatal mistake occurred.
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