Haunting five words heard moments after woman was thrown to her death after bungee crew failed to attach safety rope
A 21-year-old woman tragically lost her life after allegedly being launched from a bridge swing attraction without being connected to a safety rope. Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas was taking part in an extreme adventure
The horrifying words heard after the accident
activity at Ponte do Esqueleto, or Skeleton Bridge, in Limeira, São Paulo, on the morning of June 13.
Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freita, 21, tragically fell more than 131ft to her death. Credit: Instagram
Footage circulating online reportedly shows Maria being positioned in a Superman-style pose by two staff members before being released from the bridge. Seconds later, panic broke out.
According to a report by The Sun, voices can be heard urgently shouting: “The rope, people, the rope.”
Witnesses and information provided by Military Police suggest that employees may have failed to attach the safety line to Maria’s harness before she was sent off the platform, before she fell over 100 feet to her death, while workers watched helplessly.
Just before the fatal incident, Maria had shared her excitement about the experience on social media.
The 21-year-old, who was from the nearby city of Jandira, posted updates documenting her arrival at the attraction, including photos of her access wristbands and images connected to the event organizers.
In a post that has since taken on heartbreaking significance, Maria shared a photo featuring the banner of the company “Entre Cordas” and jokingly wrote: “Who was the crazy person who let me jump off a bridge?”
According to reports, Maria held a degree in physical education and sports management and was a dedicated supporter of Santos Football Club.
Emergency crews, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene following the accident, but despite their efforts, Maria was pronounced dead.
Woman’s social media posts in the lead up to the horrific accident
Her body was later transferred to the Legal Medical Institute as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reports indicate that Maria’s fiancé was present at the bridge when the
accident occurred. He reportedly became ill after learning of her death and required medical assistance.
Police confirmed that six people were arrested at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
The tragedy has also sparked concerns about safety measures at the location.
Limeira City Council announced plans to file a complaint with Brazil’s federal government over what officials describe as longstanding safety concerns in the area.
Mayor Murilo Félix said: “It is necessary to determine responsibility for the lack of access control to a federal area that has presented known risks for years and still lacks the necessary protection measures.”
Despite the fatal accident, future events at Ponte do Esqueleto were reportedly still being promoted online in the days afterward.
JUST IN: 21-year-old dies after workers forget to attach safety rope and push her off 40-meter bridge in São Paulo’s Limeira, Brazil pic.twitter.com/ceqniPJkUs
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) June 13, 2026
The attraction had been charging R$180 (approximately $35) per jump and had additional dates scheduled, including an event planned for July 11.
The company was also advertising similar activities in Rio Claro and Minas Gerais, with participation fees ranging between R$210 and R$250.
Authorities continue to investigate how the alleged safety failure occurred and who may ultimately be held responsible.
