Authorities in Brazil are investigating a fatal hiking accident that claimed the life of a 59-year-old woman after she fell from a trail near an overlook in the city of Maricá, according to local reports.
The victim, Rosemary Suzart Garcia, was participating in a group hike on Sunday at Grutas do Spar, a popular outdoor destination in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Witnesses told local media that Garcia stepped onto a short path near an overlook and lost her footing while applying insect repellent, according [1] to The New York Post.
59-year-old Rosemary Suzart Garcia died after falling 100 feet from a cliff during a hike in Brazil.
Just 24 hours earlier, 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas was killed in a rope-jumping accident after her safety cord was not attached. pic.twitter.com/r1K3YKftuP [2]
— Mienprede (@mienprede) June 16, 2026 [3]
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Garcia had been hiking with a large group when the incident occurred.
One witness, Giovani Maximino, described the moments leading up to the accident and said a guide attempted to intervene as Garcia began to fall.
“The guide tried to hold her and almost fell too,” Maximino told the outlet.
He said the guide rushed toward Garcia in an effort to stop the fall but was unable to maintain his grip.
Describing the incident, Maximino said the guide “threw himself towards her” but managed only to grab onto a “root in the area.”
Witnesses said the accident unfolded quickly.
“It’s a height of approximately [100 feet]. She was just finishing applying insect repellent. It was very fast,” Maximino said.
According to reports, Garcia was equipped with safety gear at the time, including gloves, a helmet, and other protective equipment commonly used during hiking excursions.
Emergency responders were called to the scene after the fall. Firefighters later recovered Garcia’s body from the area below the overlook.
Maximino said efforts were made to contact Garcia’s family following the accident.
“I only managed to locate the children, who live in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, at almost two in the morning to give them the news,” he said.
“Until then, we had no contact with any family member.”
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation, which remains ongoing.
The accident occurred one day after another fatal incident in Brazil involving a bungee jump operation in the state of São Paulo.
According to reports, 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died Saturday after falling approximately 130 feet from a bridge in Limeira.
Officials said the incident occurred at the disused structure known as the “Skeleton Bridge.” Reports indicated that Rodrigues de Freitas was participating in a bungee jump activity when the cord was allegedly not attached to her harness before the jump.
Video shared on social media reportedly showed staff members carrying the participant toward the edge of the bridge before the jump took place.
SHE WAS STILL ALIVE
An off-duty nurse says Maria Eduarda Rodrigues was conscious after the 40-meter fall
“Stay calm, no one dies on my watch,” she told her while waiting for rescuers
– The jump was conducted at an unlicensed site
– 3 operators have been arrested#Brazil [4] https://t.co/M1rtd50Vwa [5] pic.twitter.com/aYBSv33cji [6]— GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) June 17, 2026 [7]
Authorities have arrested six individuals in connection with the incident, including three people who were present at the jump site, according to reports.
The two fatalities, occurring on consecutive days in different parts of Brazil, have drawn significant public attention and prompted renewed discussion about safety procedures at recreational and outdoor activities.
Investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding both incidents. In the hiking case, authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to Garcia’s fall.
In the São Paulo case, officials are reviewing the actions of those involved in the bungee operation.
Both investigations remain active.