A 21-year-old woman tragically lost her life on Saturday after staff at a bungee jumping attraction 'forgot' to attach a safety cord, sending her plunging 130 feet into the ravine beneath.
Final Social Media Post
Following her death, a haunting social media message she posted beforehand has emerged. The fatal incident took place at 'Skeleton Bridge' in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil, and the woman has been named locally as Maria Eduardo Rodrigues de Freitas.
Maria was escorted onto the platform by two male workers before being thrown by staff without the essential safety rope, local authorities confirmed. Footage circulating on social media reveals Maria had no rope fastened to her body as she fell 40 metres directly into the canyon below. Witnesses can be heard in the clip screaming that she wasn't wearing any safety gear for her descent.
In multiple updates, the young woman from the neighbouring town of Jandira disclosed the bungee jumping venue's whereabouts, while displaying her identification wristbands in preparation for the experience. The woman uploaded a tragic social media post just minutes before her death. Posting a photo of the scene on Instagram, she wrote: “Who was the crazy person who let me come jump off a bridge???”
Investigation and Arrests
Officials confirm that two men swiftly absconded from the location after the incident and were subsequently found in a nearby woodland with help from local officers.
A total of six people were brought in for questioning in connection with de Freitas' fatal fall, a representative for the São Paulo government confirmed. Three men — ages 27, 32 and 42 — were arrested at the scene and charged with homicide with implied malice.
The case is being investigated by the Civil Police, it has been announced. The force will determine whether anyone involved in the event will face criminal charges.
City Council Response
The Limeira City Council has confirmed that it will file a complaint against the Brazilian federal government.
"It is necessary to determine responsibility for the lack of access control to a federal area that has presented known risks for years and still lacks the necessary protection measures," said the mayor of Limeira, Murilo Félix.
