Woman Dies After Safety Rope Was Not Attached During Rope Jump in Skeleton Bridge

A 21-year-old woman died during a rope jumping activity in Brazil on June 13 after operators allegedly failed to attach her safety rope before releasing her from a bridge.

The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, fell approximately 40 metres (131 feet) from the Ponte do Esqueleto, also known as the Skeleton Bridge, in Limeira, a city in São Paulo state.

Authorities have arrested six people linked to the operation as investigations continue.

Videos circulating on social media show Maria being escorted to the edge of the bridge by event staff before she was released into the jump.

Moments later, people watching the activity realized something was wrong.

Witnesses can be heard shouting, “The rope, people, the rope,” after noticing that the safety line had not been connected to her harness.

According to police and witness accounts, Maria fell directly from the bridge because the cord that should have secured her during the jump was not attached.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but she was pronounced dead due to the severe injuries caused by the impact.

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Brazil Tragedy: Police Arrest Six People

The Military Police confirmed that six individuals connected to the rope jump operation were taken into custody following the incident.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that two suspects initially fled into a nearby wooded area after the accident but were later located with assistance from a police helicopter.

All were eventually brought in for questioning.

The Civil Police have opened an investigation to determine individual responsibility and whether criminal charges will be filed.

Authorities are examining possible negligence in the operation of the activity after preliminary findings suggested that the required safety equipment was not properly secured before the jump.

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Victim Shared Excitement Before the Jump

Hours before the tragedy, Maria posted photos and videos on social media showing preparations for the activity.

In one of her posts, she wrote,”Who was the crazy person who let me jump off a bridge?”

The post has since been widely shared online following news of her death.

Companies Named in Investigation

Videos from the scene show instructors wearing shirts bearing the names of adventure tourism companies Entre Cordas and Ih Voei.

Brazilian media reported that authorities attempted to contact the companies for comment, but no public response had been issued at the time of publication.

The Civil Police said the investigation remains ongoing and will determine whether those detained face criminal charges over Maria’s death.

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Safety Rope Was Not Attached During Rope Jump in Brazil
PHOTO/IG