New documents have emerged in the investigation into the death of 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, who died during a rope jump activity in the interior of São Paulo after instructors involved gave statements to police.
According to the delegate leading the case, two of the instructors reported experiencing a “shutdown” or moment of confusion during the preparations and said they could not explain exactly when the mistake occurred that led to the tragedy.
The accident happened at Ponte do Esqueleto, located between the municipalities of Limeira and Cordeirópolis. Maria Eduarda was participating in a jump modality known as “aviãozinho,” in which participants are secured by instructors before being launched. However, investigators found that the safety ropes that should have been attached to the young woman’s body had not been fastened.
Authorities reported that Maria Eduarda fell approximately 40 meters. The incident was recorded by people who were present at the site.
Police arrested three instructors in flagrante delicto on suspicion of homicide with possible intent. During questioning, two of them stated they believed the launch would only happen after the safety procedures had been completed.
The missing safety ropes became the central focus of the investigation. One of the instructors claimed his role was only to assist with the launch and attempted to reduce his responsibility for checking the equipment. The delegate rejected that argument, stating that the missing rope should have been obvious because of its size.
The delegate also emphasized that in a high-risk activity, safety checks should have been performed multiple times before the jump.
Three other individuals involved in organizing the event were initially detained but later released due to insufficient evidence to justify continued detention.
In their defense, two instructors stated that they were experienced in the activity and that this was the first fatal accident recorded after years of operating such events.
