Brazil Bungee Jump Workers Claim Memory Lapse After Model’s Fatal Fall
Brazil Bungee Jump Workers Claim Memory Lapse After Model’s Fatal Fall – Three workers linked to a Brazilian bungee jumping company have appeared in court after a tragic incident that claimed the life of 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas.
Maria, a teacher and fitness enthusiast, died after she was allegedly thrown from a 130-foot bridge without having her safety cord attached during a stunt at the Skeleton Bridge in Limeira, São Paulo.
The three men, identified as Maicon Fernandes Cintra (42), Luis Felipe Feliciano Egoroff (32), and Vitor de Freitas Gonçalves (27), were arrested and charged with homicide with eventual intent.
ALSO READ: Brazilian Woman Dies Staff Forgets To Attach Rope During Bungee Jump
Appearing before a judge on Monday, the suspects reportedly claimed they experienced a “blackout” during preparations for the jump and could not remember who was responsible for attaching the safety cord.
Luis Felipe told investigators that team members shared responsibilities and that safety checks were conducted jointly.
“When asked who was responsible for the final safety checks for Maria Eduarda’s jump, he told police: ‘I can’t remember,'” reports stated.
Maicon Fernandes Cintra allegedly gave investigators the same response.
Their lawyer, Rafael Gomes dos Santos, defended the trio, saying: “They are in a state of shock. They cannot explain what happened because they have been doing this for years. Nothing like this has ever happened.”
Videos circulating online reportedly show Maria being carried in a “Superman” pose moments before the jump. After she was released, the safety rope could allegedly be seen remaining on the platform.
An off-duty nurse, Rayza Dias, who rushed to assist the victim, said Maria was still alive when she reached her.
“I even talked to her. I told her, ‘Nobody dies on my shift,’ even though I wasn’t on my shift,” Dias said.
Maria’s grieving mother, Valdenia, paid tribute to her daughter after the funeral, writing: “That damned rope took you away from me forever. My beloved daughter, you are gone and all that remains here is pain and longing. I will love you forever.”
The three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
