The staff members involved in a fatal rope-jumping accident in Brazil have spoken to police as investigators continue examining how a 21-year-old woman fell to her death during the activity.

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died after falling from Ponte do Esqueleto, known locally as Skeleton Bridge, in the city of Limeira. Authorities believe a critical safety rope may not have been attached to her harness before the jump.

Staff Claim They Don’t Know What Went Wrong

According to police, the workers involved told investigators they were unable to explain how the accident occurred. Two staff members responsible for preparing participants reportedly said they could not recall exactly what happened in the moments before the fatal jump.

Investigators said those involved appeared “bewildered” by the incident and claimed they had conducted similar jumps for years without experiencing a comparable accident.

“We don’t know how this happened,” the workers reportedly told investigators, according to local authorities.

Key Evidence Found At Scene

Police allege that a rope intended to control Maria’s descent was discovered coiled on the ground after the incident. Witnesses have claimed the safety line was never connected to her harness before she was pushed from the bridge.

One witness reportedly shouted, “Guys, the rope!” immediately after Maria fell, drawing attention to what investigators believe may have been a critical safety failure.

Three men have since been charged with homicide with implied malice, a legal classification in Brazil used when authorities believe someone accepted a known risk that ultimately resulted in a death, despite having no intention to kill.

Investigators Focus On Safety Procedures

Lead investigator Andréa Dantas said the missing rope should have been obvious during final safety checks.

“The rope was visible and should have been identified before the jump,” Dantas reportedly said as authorities examined whether proper supervision and verification procedures were followed.

A lawyer representing the staff described the tragedy as a “sad fatality” and emphasized that the operators had previously conducted jumps without any serious incidents being reported.

Bridge’s Troubled History Under Scrutiny

Maria’s death has renewed concerns about safety at Skeleton Bridge, an abandoned railway structure that continues to attract thrill-seekers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

The site has been linked to multiple serious accidents in recent years, including a fatal cycling fall in 2024 and another incident in 2025 that left two women with severe injuries.

Local officials have repeatedly called for tighter safety controls and restrictions at the location, warning that the bridge presents ongoing risks to visitors.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Police are continuing to gather evidence and are awaiting forensic reports that may help determine exactly how the fatal error occurred.

As investigators work to establish responsibility, the case has sparked wider debate about safety standards at extreme sports attractions and whether additional oversight is needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“This is still an active investigation,” authorities said, noting that conclusions could change as additional evidence is reviewed.