Brazil – A 49-year-old skydiving instructor tragically lost his life after a fatal fall during a speed flying attempt in Rio de Janeiro.
Jose de Alencar Lima Junior, an experienced skydiver and former army paratrooper, was attempting a high-speed paragliding jump off a cliff in Sao Conrado when he lost his balance. As Lima ran off the cliff’s edge, he stumbled and fell nearly 820 feet onto the rocks below.
The incident was captured on video and widely shared across social media. The footage shows Lima launching from the cliff before appearing to trip over a hole, which witnesses believe may have contributed to the fall.
Lima, who had served in Brazil’s Parachute Infantry Brigade, was visiting family in Brazil after living in Germany. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of his death, with speculation surrounding potential equipment failure.
The Clube Sao Conrado de Voo Livre (CSCLV), which manages the area, confirmed that Lima had taken off from an unauthorized spot, rather than using the designated launch ramp. The organization stated that the location chosen by Lima was unsafe and prohibited, and made it clear that CSCLV was not responsible for the incident.
“The pilot did not use the official ramp. The spot he selected was unsafe and prohibited. CSCLV is not responsible for the incident. May he rest in peace,” the organization said in a statement.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lima’s tragic death is ongoing.
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