A 21-year-old woman plunged approximately 40 meters (about 130 feet) to her death on Saturday, June 13, 2026, during a rope-jumping activity at the abandoned Ponte do Esqueleto (“Skeleton Bridge”) in Limeira, São Paulo state. The incident has sparked outrage, a criminal investigation, and arrests over alleged gross negligence by event operators.
Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, a recent physical education graduate from Jandira who was pursuing studies in sports management, was participating in the recreational jump with her fiancé. Witnesses and video footage circulating on social media show staff members carrying her to the jumping platform in a “Superman” pose before launching her off the edge without attaching the essential safety rope. Bystanders can be heard screaming warnings as the rope remained coiled on the ground. She was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple injuries.
Kitty_luvers1973 on X (formerly Twitter): “Attached harness vs. not attached harness. Brazil bungee jumping gone wrong. 😑 The failed event happened today. pic.twitter.com/tlHsvUPtkw / X”
Attached harness vs. not attached harness. Brazil bungee jumping gone wrong. 😑 The failed event happened today. pic.twitter.com/tlHsvUPtkw
According to reports, the activity was organized by a company called Entre Cordas at the unregulated site. Instructors reportedly realized the critical error only after she had been pushed. Her fiancé, who was present, collapsed in shock nearby.
Local authorities have launched a homicide investigation focusing on negligence. Police arrested six individuals connected to the operation, including instructors who allegedly attempted to flee the scene. The company operated without proper permits, prompting further scrutiny of safety standards at adventure tourism spots. The city of Limeira is reportedly planning legal action regarding the neglected bridge.
Freitas had shared excited posts on social media earlier that day, including photos from the venue and identification bracelets, highlighting the anticipation that turned into tragedy.
This heartbreaking incident has drawn widespread attention to the importance of rigorous safety protocols in extreme sports. Experts and officials are calling for stricter regulations on adventure activities, especially at informal or abandoned sites popular with thrill-seekers.
Our thoughts are with Maria Eduarda’s family, friends, and fiancé during this devastating time. As investigations continue, this event serves as a sobering reminder that safety must never be an afterthought.
