A hiking trip in Brazil ended in tragedy after a man fell nearly 500ft to his death moments after posing for a photograph on top of a rocky mountain summit.
The victim, identified as Caio Rocha Aguiar Arrabal, 44, was taking part in a hiking expedition in Maricá, Brazil, on 28 June when the fatal incident occurred. According to reports, he had climbed onto a rock formation at the peak to take photographs before attempting to climb down.
A video recorded by a woman in the hiking group captured the horrifying final moments before the fall. The footage allegedly shows Arrabal carefully making his way down the rock before turning to face the mountain’s edge. Seconds earlier, the woman filming can reportedly be heard warning him to be careful.
As he continued his descent, Arrabal appeared to lose his footing and slid off the rock, plunging almost 500ft down the mountainside. Members of the hiking group were heard screaming in shock as they watched the fatal fall.
Military Police said the victim fell from a height of around 492ft. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at about 11.40am and launched a rescue operation in difficult terrain. Firefighters and Civil Defence personnel spent around four hours navigating dense forest and steep cliffs using ropes and aerial support before reaching the victim.
Rescue instructor Matheus Moura, who assisted in the recovery, said the operation was particularly challenging because of the inaccessible location. He confirmed Arrabal had died before rescue teams reached him. Moura also noted that many visitors regularly climb onto the same rock to take photographs and claimed the victim descended from the wrong side before losing his balance.
Local authorities reportedly said the hiking trail lacks adequate warning or directional signs, raising fresh concerns over safety at the popular attraction.
The tragedy is the second fatal hiking-related accident reported in Maricá within two weeks. Earlier this month, a 59-year-old woman reportedly died after falling from a cliff near a zip-line and rappelling site while taking part in a group outdoor activity. Authorities continue to investigate both incidents.
