SouthernWorldwide.com – Three men are facing potential charges after a tragic incident where a 21-year-old woman died after allegedly being launched from a bridge without the necessary safety ropes.
The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, a 21-year-old student, lost her life on Saturday during a rope-jumping event. The activity took place at an abandoned bridge located approximately 90 miles northwest of São Paulo, Brazil.
Police investigator Andrea Levy stated on Monday that the three instructors involved in the jump admitted that Rodrigues de Freitas was not connected to any safety equipment when she was pushed off the bridge.
“They do not remember whether they forgot to attach [the ropes], or who was supposed to do it, or who failed to check. But the fact is the ropes were not attached to her,” Levy explained to reporters.
The three instructors were taken into custody following the incident. They could now face criminal charges, as reported by The Associated Press.
Brazilian authorities have indicated that the instructors were arrested on suspicion of homicide with “eventual intent.” This legal concept in Brazil typically applies when an individual is considered to have accepted the risk that a death might occur. According to the Brazilian outlet G1, citing investigators, the instructors were booked with this charge at the scene.
Investigators revealed that Rodrigues de Freitas had requested to be launched from the bridge in an “airplane style.” This involved two instructors lifting her onto their shoulders while she extended her arms outwards.
Video footage that has circulated online appears to show two men, both wearing helmets, pushing the young woman from the abandoned bridge shortly before her fatal fall. The instructors in the video seem to be wearing harnesses connected to safety lines.
Authorities confirmed that Rodrigues de Freitas fell an estimated 130 feet.
Brazilian media outlets reported that Rodrigues de Freitas had purchased a guided hiking excursion that included the rope jump from the abandoned bridge.
Rope jumping is categorized as an extreme sport and is distinct from traditional bungee jumping. Instead of elastic cords that produce a vertical bounce, rope jumping utilizes low-stretch climbing ropes. The design of these ropes aims to convert a fall into a pendulum-like swing.
The City of Limeira identified Rodrigues de Freitas as a resident of Jandira. The city subsequently issued a statement extending its condolences to her family.
“At this moment of pain, the City of Limeira stands in solidarity with the young woman’s family, friends and loved ones,” municipal officials stated on Saturday.
The city also affirmed its commitment to cooperating with the authorities who are investigating the incident.
Rodrigues de Freitas was laid to rest on Sunday.
Speaking to the Brazilian television program “Jornal Nacional,” Levy mentioned that investigators are looking into whether the group responsible for the jump was officially authorized to operate at the site. G1 reported that Levy indicated investigators believe a failure to confirm the correct placement of the safety rope was a contributing factor to the fatality.
In a statement quoted by G1, the legal representatives for the three instructors asserted that their clients possessed experience in conducting such activities. They also noted that this incident was the first fatality recorded during their years of operation.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the apparent safety lapse. This includes determining who held the responsibility for ensuring participants were adequately secured before undertaking the jump.
