Child found dead after falling from a viewpoint in a canyon in Serra Gaúcha

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The child who fell from a viewpoint in the Fortaleza canyon, in Cambará do Sul (RS), was found dead late on Thursday night (10). According to the Fire Department, the death was officially confirmed shortly after midnight on Friday (11).

"In this time of mourning and consternation, we stand in solidarity with the family, friends, and the entire community affected by this irreparable loss. May they find in faith the strength to overcome the pain of absence," reads the corporation's statement of condolence.

According to the municipal secretary of Tourism, Andrews Mohr, the 11-year-old girl was a tourist from Curitiba (PR) and was visiting the Serra Geral National Park with her parents.

The image shows a rescue team in a mountainous area at night. Several team members are dressed in rescue uniforms, including helmets and reflective vests. They are gathered around a person who appears to be receiving treatment. Ropes and rescue equipment are scattered across the ground, and the lighting is low, with dark clouds in the background. — Rio Grande do Sul Fire Department team in Fortaleza Canyon, in Serra Geral National Park, in Cambará do Sul (RS) - Disclosure/CBMRS

She fell around 1:40 PM on Thursday and was located at 5:30 PM with the help of a drone equipped with a thermal camera. The rescue team began their 70-meter descent using rappelling techniques at 10:10 PM and reached the victim 20 minutes later. The child and the team were subsequently hoisted out at 11:38 PM. Her death was confirmed shortly thereafter.

The operation involved firefighters from Cambará do Sul, Canela, Gramado , Caxias do Sul, and Porto Alegre . The Military Brigade and Civil Police also participated. The teams used helicopters, drones, a lighting tower, a generator, and Starlink.

According to the Secretary of Tourism, the child was running toward a rest bench when she fell from the canyon's edge. Her father tried to reach her but was unable to stop her fall.

"They were heading to a rest bench in the canyon, where they were going to have a snack. The girl ran out, and so did her father, to catch up with her, but they couldn't, and she ended up falling," Mohr told Rádio Gaúcha.

"We are deeply saddened by this incident and deeply regret it," the secretary said after confirming the death. "We extend our condolences and sympathy to the girl's parents and family."

He stated that tourism in Cambará do Sul has always been marked by joy, outdoor life and connection with nature.

"Today is a very sad day for our tourism," he added.

ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation), which also helped with the rescue, lamented the girl's death and, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the family.

The institute reported that a team from Serra Geral National Park monitored the case from the beginning.

"The rescue began quickly after the Urbia Cânions Verdes concessionaire team was informed of the incident. Employees from the concessionaire, ICMBio, the Fire Department and partner mountaineering groups were called in to support the operation," the agency's official statement said.

ICMBio management said it is available to assist authorities in their investigation of the case.

GovernorEduardo Leite (PSD) mourned the death and thanked the professionals who participated in the rescue. He highlighted the fact that the teams worked at night, in difficult geographical and climatic conditions.

"Sadly, 11-year-old Bianca, who fell into the Fortaleza Canyon, was found dead. My condolences and love to her family," he said. "And my gratitude to our Public Safety professionals, the Fire Department, the Civil Police, and the Military Brigade, who dedicated themselves with great commitment to this rescue mission."

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