Authorities in Brazil are investigating the death of 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas after a fatal rope-jumping accident at Skeleton Bridge, also known as Ponte do Esqueleto, in Limeira, São Paulo. The incident happened on Saturday, June 13, during what was described as an extreme sports outing that had initially been reported by some outlets as bungee jumping. Viral videos from the scene show three instructors lifting Maria above their heads before launching her from the bridge without a safety cord attached.
According to reports, Maria had requested an “airplane-style” launch, a position in which the jumper is meant to be secured to a rope system that allows for a swinging fall rather than a free drop. Rope jumping is different from bungee jumping, as it uses climbing ropes instead of elastic cords. In the footage, a rope can be seen on the ground at the bridge, raising questions about the safety setup and whether proper equipment checks were carried out before the jump.
Witnesses and local reports suggest that Maria did not die instantly after hitting the ground. An off-duty nurse who was present reportedly found her conscious shortly after the fall and tried to comfort her. Medical personnel later pronounced her dead at the scene. Officials have not yet publicly released the full extent of her injuries. Maria was buried in São Paulo on Sunday, June 14.
The case has led to criminal charges against three instructors connected to the rope jumping company. Brazilian authorities say the men were arrested and charged with homicide with eventual intent, a legal term that can apply when a person does not specifically intend to kill but knowingly takes part in a dangerous act with a fatal risk. Police initially detained six people in connection with the incident, but the latest reports say only three instructors were formally charged.
NBC News identified the instructors as Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff, 32, Vitor de Freitas Goncalves, 27, and Maicon Fernandes Cintra, 42. Reports say they were arrested while allegedly trying to flee the scene. Investigators say the instructors admitted that Maria was not attached to any safety rope, but claimed they could not remember who was responsible for checking her equipment before the jump. Their defense attorney has said the men remain in shock.
Before the accident, Maria had reportedly joked on Instagram about jumping from the bridge, posting a photo of the location with a playful caption. The image and the viral videos have intensified public attention on the case, as investigators continue to examine how such a deadly mistake could have happened during an organized adventure activity. The incident has sparked widespread concern over safety standards, supervision, and accountability in extreme sports tourism in Brazil.
