Now, investigators are uncovering disturbing details about the fatal incident, including a shocking statement made by one of the event organizers.
Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, died on Saturday during a bungee jumping event at the well-known “Skeleton Bridge” in Limeira, located in São Paulo state, Brazil.
Witnesses say the young woman appeared excited moments before the jump. She was escorted onto the platform by two staff members who prepared her for the experience.
Then disaster struck.
According to reports, Maria Eduarda was pushed from the bridge before anyone realized she had never been connected to the safety rope.
Instead of being secured to the system that was supposed to protect her, she plunged nearly 40 meters, or about 130 feet, to her death.
People nearby immediately began screaming when they noticed something was terribly wrong.
Videos circulating online reportedly show the safety rope still lying tangled on the ground instead of being attached to Maria Eduarda’s harness.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but there was nothing they could do. The 21-year-old was pronounced dead at the site.
Authorities quickly launched an investigation into what many are describing as a catastrophic failure of basic safety procedures.
The situation became even more alarming when some individuals allegedly involved in organizing the event attempted to flee.
According to reports, several people ran into nearby woodland areas after the tragedy unfolded. Police launched a search operation, even deploying a helicopter, before locating at least two suspects near the Ponte do Esqueleto trail.
Investigators later questioned multiple individuals connected to the event.
One organizer, identified as Luis Felipe, reportedly told police that he earned approximately $34 for each jump.
He also claimed there were no clearly assigned responsibilities among staff members during the activity and that safety checks were supposedly carried out collectively.
But when police asked who was ultimately responsible for ensuring Maria Eduarda was properly secured before the jump, his answer stunned many people.
“I can’t remember.”
Another suspect, Maicon Fernandes Cintra, reportedly gave investigators the exact same response.
Authorities have since brought six people in for questioning in connection with the deadly incident.
Three men, aged 27, 32, and 42, were arrested at the scene and charged with homicide with implied malice, a legal concept that applies when someone knowingly exposes another person to extreme risk.
Investigators say the operation itself may never have been properly authorized.
Delegate Andrea Dantas Levy strongly criticized the organizers while speaking to local media.
“It was a team there that wasn’t regulated; they didn’t even have authorization to be there,” she said.
She added that, in her view, Maria Eduarda’s death occurred because of a failure to verify and supervise whether the rope had been properly attached before the jump.
The tragedy has sparked widespread anger online, with many questioning how such a basic safety step could have been overlooked during a dangerous activity like bungee jumping.
What should have been an unforgettable experience became a devastating loss for a family now mourning a young woman whose life ended in a matter of seconds.
Maria Eduarda was only 21 years old.
Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. 💔