What was meant to be a breathtaking photo turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
A 36-year-old tourist has died after falling from a waterfall in southern Brazil while trying to snap a picture near the edge.
The man, identified as Caio Libero Batistela, was reportedly standing about 131 feet above the ground at the São Jorge River waterfall in Ponta Grossa when he lost his balance and plunged over the side on Saturday, February 21, according to Brazilian outlets including CNN Brasil, G1 and O Liberal.
Fire officials say Batistela had moved dangerously close to the edge of the waterfall to take a photo when the accident happened.
“According to reports from the person who was with him, he got close to the fall and when he went to take a picture he ended up losing his balance,” Fire Department Cadet Gustavo Sabatoski told G1.
The friend who was with him desperately tried to grab onto his clothes to stop the fall — but couldn’t hold him. Sabatoski said the person nearly fell as well during the attempt to save him.
The São Jorge River waterfall sits atop a steep gorge surrounded by rugged rock formations. At the bottom are more rocks, trees and a small pond — making the area both scenic and extremely dangerous.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 2:50 p.m. local time, but reaching Batistela proved difficult. Authorities described the terrain as steep and high-risk, complicating rescue efforts. A helicopter from Brazil’s Mobile Emergency Care Service was also sent to the scene.
Despite their efforts, Batistela was pronounced dead at the site.
The area around the waterfall was sealed off as forensic teams began their investigation. His body was later transported to the Forensic Medical Institute in Ponta Grossa before being released to his family.
Batistela was originally from Curitiba, about 70 miles away from where the accident occurred. His funeral was scheduled for Monday, February 23, according to local reports.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.