Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, a 21-year-old woman with long straight dark hair, is seen in a photo looking directly at the camera, wearing a dark strappy top with a light design.

Hours before the accident, Maria Eduarda posted an image from the bridge and wrote: “Who was the crazy one that let me come jump off a bridge?” After the tragedy, the phrase took on a heartbreaking new meaning.

After the accident, members of the organizing group and others present at the scene tried to assist her while emergency services were on the way. Firefighters and personnel from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) arrived quickly, but medical teams could only confirm her death due to the severity of her injuries.

Among those present was the young woman’s fiancé, who suffered a medical episode after witnessing the consequences of the accident and required medical assistance.

The case of Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, occurred on Saturday, the 13th, in Limeira, in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil. She died after being thrown from a bridge without a safety rope during a rope jump activity at the “Ponte do Esqueleto” (Skeleton Bridge).

According to reports, the rope that should have been attached to Maria Eduarda’s body was left on the ground. Video circulating on social media shows the moment of the fall. In the footage, the victim is carried face down by two instructors while a third person observes. Just before she is launched, someone off-camera asks: “Is it the rope, right?”

After Maria Eduarda is thrown from the bridge, the person filming the video can be heard shouting: “Guys, the rope!” The witness also recorded the safety equipment left behind on the ground.

The young woman had a degree in physical education and sports management and worked at a gym in Jandira, in the Greater São Paulo region. She was originally from the same city and was known for her passion for sports and outdoor activities.

Maria Eduarda was active on social media and often shared her experiences. Just hours before the jump, she posted stories showing identification wristbands and the location of the activity. In one of the posts, she joked: “Who was the crazy one that let me come jump off a bridge?”

In the accident, she was being guided by three men who were part of the group organizing the activity. In the video, she is seen being carried toward the edge before being released without being properly secured.

Witnesses reported that safety procedures were not properly followed. According to testimony given to local media, Maria Eduarda did not undergo a safety inspection before the jump.

One witness told reporters:

“In all the other cases, the instructors checked the rope and made sure everything was fine. In hers, which was essential, they did not do it. Even children as young as six saw her being thrown. It was a strong scene. Everyone was in panic.”

Six people were taken to the police station in Limeira to provide statements. Three of them remained in custody. According to the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat (SSP), the detainees are aged 27, 32, and 42 and were arrested in flagrante for homicide with possible intent (dolo eventual), meaning they accepted the risk of causing death.

On Sunday (14), the court converted their detention into preventive custody, meaning they can remain imprisoned for an indefinite period while investigations continue. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to determine responsibilities and clarify the circumstances of the case.

The suspects involved are identified as Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff (32), Vitor de Freitas Gonçalves (27), and Maicon Fernandes Cintra (42). They were reportedly wearing shirts labeled with “Entre Cordas” and “Ih Voei,” which authorities said are informal groups of rope jump practitioners, not official companies.

Investigators also confirmed that the group had no authorization to conduct such activities in the area. Despite this, they gathered around 100 participants for the event.

The suspects could not explain why the rope was not attached to Maria Eduarda. They also could not clarify who was responsible for the final safety check or why no verification was done before she was released.

Rope jump is a sport in which a person jumps from a high place attached to a rope system similar to climbing equipment. Unlike bungee jumping, which uses elastic cords that create a bouncing effect, rope jump uses ropes that stop the fall more directly, leaving the person swinging after the drop.

A representative of the Brazilian Rope Jump and Human Pendulum Association described the incident as a “grotesque error,” stating that the instructors “forgot half of the operation.” He also said:

“We don’t throw the client like that. We do this with friends and instructors we know and who have already jumped many times.”

Maria Eduarda’s funeral was held on Sunday morning (14) at the Municipal Funeral Home in Jandira, followed by burial at the city cemetery. Her former physical education teacher attended the service and described her as an active student who helped organize school sports events and dreamed of becoming a PE teacher.

Her workplace, a fitness center in Jandira, also issued a statement mourning her death, describing her as a dedicated, joyful, and respectful employee. The gym remained closed as a sign of mourning.

The investigation continues, with witnesses expected to be heard as authorities work to determine full responsibility for the fatal accident.