Skydiving instructor dies in accident during jump in Pedra Bonita

A tragic accident claimed the life of José de Alencar Lima Junior, an experienced 49-year-old skydiving instructor, who died on Sunday, November 3 while attempting a flight with speed-fly equipment in Pedra Bonita, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. According to reports, José fell from approximately 250 meters high while attempting a takeoff.

The Fire Department was alerted at 9:58 a.m., and the search for the victim lasted for about four hours. José's body was found at 1:49 p.m. in an area of ​​difficult access and transferred to São Conrado beach by a helicopter of the Corporation.

Bruno Menescal, vice president of the Clube São Conrado de Voo Livre, indicated that the jump was "private" and that José was not registered in the club. “It was a failed takeoff attempt... a 250-meter fall that caused the death of the parachutist,” said Menescal.

The Civil Police and the 15th Police Delegation (Gávea) have launched an investigation to find out more details of the accident and will carry out an exhaustive inspection of José's equipment. Images captured by visitors show the moments before the jump, in which José adjusted his equipment, ran, but lost his balance and failed to get the device to open, which led to his fall.

Family and friends of José described him as an experienced skydiver, with almost 20 years of experience, who even taught sports classes. A sister-in-law commented that he divided his time between Brazil and Germany and that he had recently arrived from Europe to spend a season in Rio. It was also revealed that José was planning a trip to Dubai in the coming days to continue his flying activities.

“Nobody can believe what happened. He was a very experienced professional,” said a close friend of the family. Joseph leaves behind his mother and wife.