Bungee Jump Instructors Accused of Skipping Safety Rope Tried to Flee After Woman Was Thrown Off Bridge, Police Say

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, died in a bungee-jumping accident in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil, after she was thrown from Skeleton Bridge and her safety rope was allegedly not attached. She fell 131 feet and was later pronounced dead by emergency responders. The incident has led to a deeper police investigation and charges against three instructors involved in the jump.

According to reports from Brazilian outlet O Globo and local police, six people were initially taken into custody after Maria Eduarda’s death. Three of them were reportedly handing out wristbands at the event and were later released. The other three — identified as Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff, 32, Vitor de Freitas Goncalves, 27, and Maicon Fernandes Cintra, 42 — were charged with homicide.

Police say Maria Eduarda’s fiancé witnessed the accident and saw the aftermath in horror. Authorities also allege that two of the instructors fled the scene after realizing the rope was not attached. They were later found in nearby woods after a military helicopter search. Local police deputy Andréa Dantas Levy said the suspects claimed to have experienced a “blackout” and could not remember exactly when or where the safety failure happened. One instructor reportedly said he was only called in to help with the jump.

Judge Paulo Henrique Stahlberg Natal ordered the three instructors to remain in custody, citing the risk that they could repeat similarly dangerous conduct if released. If convicted, the charges could carry prison sentences ranging from six to 30 years.

Another unresolved detail involves a 360-degree camera Maria Eduarda is believed to have had with her during the jump. Reports say participants could pay an extra fee to use a camera for the experience. Although she may have carried one, it has not been recovered, and searches at the base of the bridge have so far failed to locate it.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of the shocking nature of the accident and the questions surrounding safety procedures at the event. Investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened and whether negligence contributed to the fatal fall. Maria Eduarda’s death has left her family, fiancé, and friends mourning a sudden and devastating loss.