Full Breakdown
Fatal Rope-Jumping Accident at Ponte do Esqueleto Prompts Criminal Charges and Calls for Federal Accountability
6/18/2026, 7:42:39 AM
Fatal Rope-Jumping Accident at Ponte do Esqueleto
On 13 June 2026, 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas was thrown from the abandoned Ponte do Esqueleto (Skeleton Bridge) in Limeira, São Paulo, after instructors released her without a safety rope; she fell roughly 130 feet and died on impact.
Background & Key Figures
Ponte do Esqueleto, a 30 m (?100 ft) abandoned bridge, has been used for rope-jumping without permits from Brazil’s Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services. The victim, Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, a 21-year-old physical-education student from Jandira, was guided by three instructors—Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff (32), Vitor de Freitas Gonçalves (27) and Maicon Fernandes Cintra (42). Police investigator Andrea Levy led the inquiry.
Timeline
13 Jun 2026 – de Freitas falls and dies. 14 Jun 2026 – police helicopter arrives, investigation begins. 15 Jun 2026 – three instructors arrested and charged with homicide; city announces lawsuit.
Data, Conflicts & Statistics
The bridge’s height is reported as 30 m (?100 ft) and 40 m (?130 ft). Authorities describe the activity as rope-jumping, though some outlets label it bungee jumping. Three men face homicide charges; six people were questioned. The jump cost R$180 per participant, with roughly 100 spectators present.
Official Statements, Criticism & Impact
Investigator Andrea Levy said the victim “was not attached to any rope” and that the team “did not remember who was supposed to check the rope.” Mayor Murilo Félix said Limeira will sue the federal government for failing to control bridge access, emphasizing the need for safety oversight. Critics note the operation lacked permits and that the bridge has a history of injuries, underscoring broader public-safety concerns.
On-the-Ground Reports
A witness shouted “Guys, the rope!” as de Freitas was released; a nurse attempted resuscitation, and her fiancé required emergency care after becoming ill at the scene.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They do not remember whether they forgot to attach (the ropes), or who was supposed to do it, or who failed to check. But the fact is the ropes were not attached to her,” — Andrea Levy, Police Investigator
- “Delegate Andrea Dantas Levy reportedly told G1: “It was a team there that wasn’t regulated; they didn’t even have authorization to be there.” — Andrea Dantas Levy, Delegate
- “Guys, the rope!” — Witness (video)
- “My beloved daughter, today alone I wanted to hug you more than a thousand times,” — Valdenia Rodrigues, Mother
What’s Next
The three instructors will stand trial for homicide, and Limeira will pursue a lawsuit against the federal government over bridge safety; authorities plan to review permits for extreme-sport activities on public sites.
