After deaths in hang gliding accident, ramp will remain closed for 3 days in mourning, says club
The São Conrado Hang Gliding Club will close the Pedra Bonita ramp for three days in honor of a hang gliding instructor and a tourist who tragically died in an accident.
The São Conrado Hang Gliding Club has announced that it will keep the Pedra Bonita ramp closed for three days as a sign of mourning following a recent tragic accident. On Saturday morning, a hang gliding instructor named Rodolfo Pascoal Ladeira and a tourist, Jenny Colon Rodriguez from the United States, lost their lives during a flight that ended in a fatal crash near the landing area at Praia de São Conrado, located in the southern region of Rio de Janeiro.
Emergency services were alerted at 11:15 AM and quickly mobilized helicopters and jet skis to assist in the rescue operations. Despite the urgent response, Rodolfo was pronounced dead at the scene, while Jenny was transported in critical condition to the Municipal Hospital Miguel Couto but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. In a heartfelt statement, the club expressed its deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the tragic loss of their experienced instructor and the impact on the local community.
The club's decision to suspend activities reflects both respect for the victims and the need for reflection on safety in extreme sports. The deaths have raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for hang gliding operations in the region, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. This event not only memorializes the victims but also highlights the importance of ensuring rigorous safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.