In Limeira, Brazil, three men face homicide charges following a tragic rope-jumping incident resulting in the death of Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21. She fell over 130 feet from Skeleton Bridge without proper safety gear. Arrested and charged were Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff, 32, Vitor de Freitas Goncalves, 27, and Maicon Fernandes Cintra, 42. They were attempting to flee when captured, according to local police.
The charge of homicide with ‘eventual intent’ in Brazil applies when individuals engage in risky acts with potential fatal outcomes, regardless of their intentions to kill. All three remain detained. Andrea Levy, a police investigator, revealed that the men, all jump instructors, admitted Eduarda was not secured with safety ropes. However, they couldn’t recall who was responsible for equipment checks. Their attorney stated they are in shock.
Videos circulating online depict Eduarda’s final moments as she was hoisted by two men and tossed from the bridge. A third man watched, and no safety cord was visible. Eduarda was equipped with a helmet. Skeleton Bridge, previously part of a railway line, serves as a popular but dangerous spot for such activities.
The sport of rope jumping differs from bungee jumping, as it uses climbing ropes for a pendulum-like swing instead of elastic cords. Dan Osman, who created rope jumping, died during a jump in 1998 when his cord snapped in Yosemite National Park.
Tributes to Eduarda have flooded social media. Panobianco Academia, a local gym, expressed affection and sadness, noting her joyful presence. They closed in her honor for a day. Her mother shared a heartfelt message, thanking Eduarda for 21 cherished years together.
City officials in Limeira plan legal action against the federal government. Mayor Murilo Félix criticized the lack of safety around Skeleton Bridge. Despite local efforts, necessary regulations have not been implemented. The government has yet to comment.
The governor’s office confirmed Eduarda’s fall resulted from unsecured safety equipment. Videos showed her eagerly preparing for the jump, holding a camera. Her final social media post expressed excitement mixed with trepidation.