A tourist plunged 130ft to his death at a Brazilian waterfall after losing his footing while trying to take a photo, as a companion desperately tried to grab him.
The tragedy unfolded at Parque Sao Jorge in Ponta Grossa, in Brazil‘s Parana state, on February 21.
The victim was identified as Caio Libero Batistela, 35, an accountant from Curitiba.
Batistela had been standing at the top of the Rio Sao Jorge waterfall when he moved closer to the edge to take a picture and lost his balance, falling around 130 feet (40 metres), according to the Parana Fire Department.
A person with him attempted to grab his clothing but could not stop the fall and nearly went over the edge as well, firefighter aspirant Gustavo Sabatoski told local media.
Four firefighters were dispatched to the scene and a helicopter from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) was sent to assist.
Officials said the waterfall is difficult to access and the recovery operation required specialised techniques due to the steep and hazardous terrain.
The victim was identified as 35-year-old Caio Libero Batistela, an accountant from the city of Curitiba
The tragedy happened at Parque Sao Jorge in the city of Ponta Grossa, in the Campos Gerais region of Parana state, Brazil, on February 21
The body came to rest in an area considered high risk, and the site was sealed off until forensic teams completed their work.
Despite the rapid response, Caio was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was taken to the Forensic Medical Institute in Ponta Grossa before being released to his family.
He was laid to rest at the Nossa Senhora de Lourdes Chapel in his hometown, where he was buried on 23rd February at the parish cemetery.