By Blessing Nweke
Three men have been charged with homicide following the death of a 21-year-old woman who fell more than 130 feet from a bridge during a rope-jumping activity in Limeira, Brazil, authorities said.
Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff, 32, Vitor de Freitas Goncalves, 27, and Maicon Fernandes Cintra, 42, were arrested on Sunday and charged with homicide with eventual intent after the fatal accident involving Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas. Police said the men were detained while allegedly attempting to flee the area.
Under Brazilian law, homicide with eventual intent applies when an individual does not directly intend to kill but knowingly engages in conduct that carries a significant risk of death.
Investigators said the three suspects worked as rope-jumping instructors. According to police investigator Andrea Levy, the men admitted that Eduarda was not attached to the required safety ropes before being launched from the bridge. However, they reportedly told authorities they could not recall who was responsible for checking her equipment.
Videos shared on social media appear to show Eduarda being lifted and thrown from the bridge by two men while a third watches nearby. She was wearing a helmet, but no visible safety cord could be seen in the footage.
Authorities previously stated that Eduarda’s safety equipment had not been properly secured and that she died instantly from the fall. Police also reported that she had requested to be launched “like a plane” during the jump.
The accident occurred at the abandoned Skeleton Bridge, a former railway structure. Limeira city officials have announced plans to pursue legal action against federal authorities, arguing that repeated requests to secure the site had gone unanswered.
Tributes have poured in for Eduarda, with family members, friends and local organizations mourning her death and remembering her joyful personality and dedication to those around her.
Original article
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