Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, the 21-year-old woman who died during a rope-jumping event in Brazil had made one special request before taking the leap. What happened moments later has shocked the entire world.
Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, had been looking forward to a day of adventure when she arrived at an abandoned bridge in Limeira, in Brazil’s São Paulo state, on June 14.
The young woman, who dreamed of becoming a physical education teacher, was taking part in a rope-jumping activity at Ponte do Esqueleto, also known as Skeleton Bridge.
Freitas wanted a Superman-style jump
According to investigators, Freitas requested to be launched from the bridge in a Superman-style pose, arms spread while the instructors carried her above their shoulders before releasing her into the jump.
The request was granted.
But what should have been an exciting experience turned into a tragedy.
Police say Freitas was launched from the bridge without being attached to the safety ropes designed to protect participants.
She fell approximately 130 feet to the ground below.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but her life could not be saved.
Instructors arrested
The incident has sparked outrage across Brazil after footage of the jump began circulating online.
In the video, two instructors can be seen carrying Freitas toward the edge of the bridge before releasing her. Seconds later, a horrified witness can reportedly be heard shouting about the missing safety rope.
Police investigator Andrea Levy said the three instructors involved have admitted that Freitas was not connected to the required safety equipment. According to Levy, those involved have been unable to explain exactly how such a serious mistake occurred.
“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,” Levy told reporters.
The three instructors have since been arrested and could face manslaughter charges.
Investigation continues
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The case has also drawn attention to rope jumping, an extreme sport that differs from traditional bungee jumping.
While bungee jumping uses elastic cords that create a bouncing motion, rope jumping relies on low-stretch climbing ropes that transform the fall into a pendulum-like swing.
Friends and loved ones have since paid tribute to the 21-year-old as the investigation into her death continues.
READ MORE:
- Mom of young woman thrown to her death when bungee crew “forgot” to attach the rope release statement
- Bungee jumping expert shares harrowing news after 21-year-old dies when ‘staff forgot to attach safety rope’
