This is the tragic moment a paraglider plunged to his death when his glider collapsed mid-air shortly after takeoff.
Ricardo Stecanella, a 52-year-old grandfather, fell more than 600 feet just seconds into his flight over the mountainous landscape of Timbé do Sul, southwest of São Paulo, Brazil.
Shocking footage captures Mr. Stecanella standing at the launch point before taking off. As he soars through the air, he makes a left turn, then a right. About 30 seconds into the flight, his glider suddenly folds in half, sending him into a rapid, uncontrolled descent. The camera then jerks away as a woman filming exclaims in horror, “My God!” before running toward the scene.
Emergency services were alerted around 1:40 p.m. on Sunday. Firefighters arrived to find Mr. Stecanella with multiple critical injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities believe he died instantly upon impact.
Local reports state that his body had to be winched up to a helicopter using ropes due to the difficult terrain.
Mr. Stecanella, a truck driver on leave from the Municipal Water and Sewage Authority, was a passionate member of the Timbé do Sul Hang-Gliding Club. The club issued a heartfelt statement:
“It’s hard to find the right words to express our sadness and grief. Our hearts go out to Ricardo’s family and friends. May we all find comfort in the legacy he left behind and the memories that help us carry on. Ricardo, fly free for eternity.”
His wife, Adriana Cavalheiro, also shared a tribute: “Even up there, you will always be my flyer.”
Authorities have recovered parts of his flight equipment from a forested area, which will undergo analysis as part of the investigation.
Mr. Stecanella was laid to rest on Monday in Timbé do Sul.
