Three instructors now face charges after death of 21-year-old woman at rope-jumping event near São Paulo . Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died Saturday when launched from an abandoned bridge without safety ropes,local authorities said.
Rodrigues de Freitas,from Jandira,signed up for a hiking trip that included rope jump. Incident happened about 90 miles northwest of São Paulo. Police investigator Andrea Levy said instructors admitted they didn't connect her to any safety gear before jump.
Levy said, “They don't remember if they forgot,or who should've done it,or who failed to check. But ropes weren't attached.” Instructors arrested on scene,facing charges of homicide with "eventual intent," meaning they accepted risk of fatal outcome.
Video online shows two instructors,helmeted,throwing Rodrigues de Freitas from bridge while they wore harnesses attached to safety lines. She had asked to be launched “airplane style,” lifted above shoulders,arms outstretched . Fell about 130 feet.
Rope jumping,unlike bungee jumping,uses low-stretch climbing ropes to turn fall into swing. City of Limeira,where incident occurred,offered condolences to her family,saying,“In this moment of pain,City of Limeira stands with her family,friends,loved ones.”
Rodrigues de Freitas buried Sunday,as investigation continues . Authorities checking if group had permission to operate at site. Levy suggested failure to verify safety rope placement might've led to accident.
Instructors' attorneys said their clients had years of experience and noted first fatality in their operations. Investigators trying to find who was responsible for safety checks before jump.
Event has sparked major concerns over safety in extreme sports,especially oversight of instructors and protective measures. As investigation proceeds,focus remains on accountability…what next?
