Three men are facing potential charges following the death of Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, a 21-year-old student, during a rope-jumping event in Brazil. The tragedy occurred at an abandoned bridge near São Paulo.
Police investigator Andrea Levy reported that the instructors involved admitted that Rodrigues de Freitas was not attached to any safety equipment before being launched from the bridge. Levy stated, “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.”
The instructors were arrested after the incident and could face criminal charges.
The three instructors may be charged with homicide due to “eventual intent,” a Brazilian legal concept where a person is considered to have accepted the risk of a fatal outcome. Local prosecutor Andrea Levy highlighted significant oversights in safety checks.
Rodrigues de Freitas requested to be launched “airplane style,” with two instructors lifting her above their shoulders. An online video shows her being tossed from the bridge, revealing the fatal lack of safety measures.
Rodrigues de Freitas fell approximately 130 feet. Rope jumping typically employs low-stretch climbing ropes instead of elastic bungee cords, aiming for a pendulum-like swing. She had purchased a guided excursion, including the jump, beforehand.
The City of Limeira, where Rodrigues de Freitas lived, extended condolences to her family. Authorities assured full cooperation in investigating the incident, classified as a homicide. Investigators are assessing if the group had proper authorization to operate at the site.
The instructors’ lawyers stated their clients have significant experience, asserting this was their first fatal incident. Investigations continue to determine who was responsible for securing participants.
Rodrigues de Freitas was laid to rest on Sunday. The local community mourns her loss while the investigation unfolds.
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