What to Know
Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas planned a bungee-jumping experience at Ponte do Esqueleto, known as the Skeleton Bridge, in Limeira, São Paulo, on June 13, 2026. Instead of a thrilling jump, the 21-year-old woman plunged to her death after instructors reportedly threw her without a rope attached. More than a week later, investigators allege that someone may have removed damning evidence from the scene. In total, the police in Brazil have arrested six people in connection with the aspiring physical education teacher’s horrific death.
de Freitas reportedly wore a camera during her jump.
According to a statement obtained by Brazilian news outlet G1, investigators made a startling discovery while looking at evidence.
“During the investigation, elements were gathered that indicate possible suppression of evidence relevant to the investigation, especially related to the disappearance of the image capture equipment used by the victim during the jump,” Delegate Andréa Levy announced.
Police arrested 29-year-old Evelyne dos Santos Goncalves, along with a 25-year-old man for Limeira, and a 27-year-old man from Indaiatuba on June 20. Investigators suspect the three deleted digital content pertinent to the investigation and allegedly made the camera attached to de Freitas disappear.
Goncalves’ lawyer claims she’s fully cooperating with police, per G1. An attorney for one of the unidentified men claims his client is innocent.
“They didn’t have a typical or active role in the jump. They only participated at the moment the jump ended. Then, one would pull the rope back up, and the other would just take the rope off the jumper. Both provided assistance, helping to free the fire truck and police vehicle from the mud,” according to attorney Vitor Aurélio.
“He saw the camera, and it’s in his interest for the camera to appear here, because he provided assistance and didn’t participate in anything,” the attorney added.
A witness claimed they saw the suspect take the missing camera.
Rafeal Goulart claimed he saw someone take de Freitas’ camera off her person following the devastating plunge, per The U.S. Sun.
“The first scene I remember when I saw the girl on the ground was seeing one of the employees removing the GoPro camera from the neck strap of the body that was already on the ground, either worried about the equipment or wanting to hide evidence.
The new arrests come a week after police took three other suspects into custody shortly after the fatal accident. Authorities arrested instructors Luis Felipe Feliciano Egorooff, 32, Maicon Fernandes Cintra, 42, and Vito de Freitas Goncalves, 27. According to NBC News, each face a homicide charge.
Many paid loving tribute to de Freitas following her shocking death.
Panobianco Academia posted a message of love for de Freitas on Facebook.
Maria Eduarda left her mark through the dedication, warmth, joy, and respect she showed to everyone around her. Her presence brightened every room, and her memories will remain in our hearts forever.
“How sad.. Strength and comfort to all who loved Maria Eduarda,” A comment reads.
Others hoped that de Freitas’ family would find comfort and justice.
“Sad, my feelings to those who lived with her, may justice do its job, and may it be an example to the practitioners and bidders of this kind of radical sport!!” A follower wrote.
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