Three men may face criminal charges following the tragic death of a 21-year-old woman during a rope-jumping event in Brazil. Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died Saturday when instructors allegedly launched her from a bridge without attaching her to the safety ropes designed to prevent her fall.
The incident occurred at an abandoned bridge about 90 miles northwest of São Paulo. Police investigator Andrea Levy revealed that the instructors involved admitted Rodrigues de Freitas was not connected to any safety gear at the time of the jump. They reportedly told authorities they failed to remember attaching the ropes or determining who should have done it.
“The fact is the ropes were not attached to her,” Levy stated.
The instructors were arrested on suspicion of homicide with “eventual intent,” a legal concept under Brazilian law applied when someone’s actions imply acceptance of a potential risk of death. Investigators stated Rodrigues de Freitas wanted to be launched in “airplane style” by instructors lifting her above their shoulders while stretching out her arms.
Footage circulated online shows two helmeted men throwing the young woman from the bridge moments before her fatal fall. The instructors appear to have been wearing harnesses linked to safety lines. Rodrigues de Freitas fell approximately 130 feet.
Brazilian media reported she purchased a guided hiking tour that included a rope jump from the bridge. Rope jumping differs from bungee jumping; it uses low-stretch climbing ropes for a pendulum-like swing instead of elastic cords creating a vertical bounce.
Rodrigues de Freitas was identified as a resident of Jandira by the City of Limeira, which expressed condolences to her family and friends.
The local police are investigating the incident as a homicide. Levy also highlighted investigators are examining whether the group conducting the jump was authorized to operate at the site. Attorneys for the instructors claimed their clients have extensive experience and this incident marked their first fatality.
Authorities are continuing to investigate all aspects of the accident, including responsibility for securing participants. The news was reported by Fox News Digital and other sources.