Man dies after falling 80 metres at Brazilian waterfall

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 03:31 · Archive

A 32-year-old mechanic died after falling around 80 metres at Fortune Waterfall in Macaé, Brazil on 12 October.

Maurício Marques Gomes, a 32-year-old mechanic from Macaé, Brazil, died after falling approximately 80 metres at Fortune Waterfall on 12 October. He was visiting the site on a public holiday, his first time reaching the highest part of the waterfall despite having visited the nearby Atalaia Municipal Natural Park before.

While at the top of the waterfall, Mr Gomes began filming videos to share on WhatsApp with friends. In one video, he joked about the height, saying 'After falling from here, my son, only death will survive, right?' According to a friend who watched his messages, Mr Gomes said he planned to put his phone down to film himself walking across one of the large moss-covered rocks at the site.

Shortly afterwards, he is believed to have slipped on a rock. When Mr Gomes did not return home, friends raised the alarm and began searching for him. His body was found around 3.20pm on 13 October in a pool below the waterfall, with his phone and cap discovered at the top. Forensic experts attributed his death to trauma from the fall.

The waterfall has claimed at least one previous life. In 2017, a 36-year-old died while attempting to take a selfie at the same location.

How it is being reported

• Macaé, Brazil: Maurício Marques Gomes dies after visiting Fortune Waterfall, shares footage on WhatsAppThe 32-year-old died after sharing videos from atop the waterfall with his friends.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 01:35
• Macaé, Brazil: Maurício Marques Gomes dies after visiting Fortune Waterfall, shares footage on WhatsAppThe 32-year-old died after sharing videos from atop the waterfall with his friends.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 01:35

In this story: Maurício Marques Gomes · Fortune Waterfall · Macaé · Brazil · Atalaia Municipal Natural Park

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