RismadarVoice Reporters, June 16, 2026
Authorities in Brazil have charged three rope-jumping instructors following the death of a 21-year-old woman who fell more than 130 feet from a bridge after allegedly being launched without being properly attached to safety equipment.
The victim, Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, died on Saturday during a rope-jumping activity at the Skeleton Bridge in Limeira, a city in São Paulo State.
Police identified the suspects as Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff, 32, Vitor de Freitas Goncalves, 27, and Maicon Fernandes Cintra, 42. The three men were arrested and charged with homicide involving eventual intent, a legal classification in Brazil used when a person engages in a dangerous act while being aware of the possibility that it could result in death.
Investigators said the men, who worked as rope-jumping instructors, admitted that the victim was not connected to the required safety ropes before the jump. However, they reportedly told authorities they could not recall who was responsible for checking her equipment before the activity.
According to police, the suspects were detained while allegedly attempting to leave the area shortly after the incident.
Videos circulating on social media appear to show the young woman being lifted by two men and launched from the bridge while another instructor stood nearby. Although she was wearing a helmet, no visible safety rope could be seen attached to her before the jump.
Local authorities said preliminary findings indicate that the safety system was not properly secured, leading to the fatal fall.
The Skeleton Bridge, a former railway structure no longer in active use, has reportedly been the subject of previous safety concerns. Following the tragedy, municipal officials announced plans to pursue legal action against federal authorities, arguing that responsibility for the bridge and its regulation falls under federal jurisdiction.
Limeira Mayor Murilo Félix said local authorities had repeatedly sought measures to improve safety around the site and described the incident as a preventable tragedy.
The death sparked an outpouring of grief from friends, family members and community organisations. Tributes described Maria Eduarda as a cheerful, caring and dedicated young woman whose presence positively impacted those around her.
Her mother also shared an emotional message mourning the loss of her daughter and expressing gratitude for the years they spent together.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing as authorities work to determine how safety procedures were allegedly overlooked and whether additional legal action may follow.
