Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, died after being pushed off a bridge during a bungee jumping event in Brazil. She was not attached to a safety rope, and several people were arrested afterward. Now, investigators are searching for a missing GoPro camera they believe may contain crucial evidence.

The tragic incident occurred in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil, on June 13. The 21-year-old woman fell approximately 130 feet into a ravine during the event on the “Skeleton Bridge.” She was carried onto the platform by two men before being pushed.

Now, the case is taking a new turn as investigators search for a missing GoPro camera they believe may provide answers about what happened in the moments leading up to Maria’s death, according to VT.

Police believe the GoPro camera Maria was reportedly wearing during the jump may have disappeared or been hidden after the fatal incident. According to Metro, investigators are searching for the device, which they say was attached to a neck strap worn by the young woman when she fell.

“The ropes were not attached to her”
Three of the rope-jump operators were charged with homicide. Three other suspects who worked at the site were detained but later released without charge, according to local reports.

“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,” police investigator Andrea Levy told reporters.

Rafael Goulart, who witnessed the aftermath of the accident, claims he saw an employee remove the GoPro from Maria while she was lying on the ground after the fall.

Speaking to EPTV, Goulart recalled: “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.”

Authorities have confirmed they are investigating the possible “suppression of evidence… especially related to the disappearance of the image capture equipment used by the victim during the jump.”

The GoPro has not yet been recovered.

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas bungee accident
Investigators have also reviewed statements given by the three employees initially arrested. According to reports, the men struggled to explain how the fatal mistake occurred.

While the investigation continues, Maria’s mother, Valdenia Rodrigues, has spoken publicly about the devastating loss.

In a heartbreaking Instagram post, she said, “‘That damned rope took you away from me forever,” as reported by Estadao. “My beloved daughter, only today I wanted to hug you more than a thousand times. How it’s hurting me your departure.

“I love you forever, my princess. And thank you so much for being a part of my life during those 21 years. What an honor it was to hear you call me a mother. God, thank you for that privilege.”