A tragic accident occurred at the Bica do Donato waterfall in Pires Ferreira, Ceará, when a rock detached from the top of the waterfall and struck Maria de Jesus Paiva, a 39-year-old woman. Eyewitnesses reported that Maria was near the falls when the incident happened. Friends and other visitors quickly mobilized to rescue her from the water using an improvised stretcher, demonstrating a swift response to a dire situation.

After being rescued, Maria was rushed to a health facility for treatment; however, she succumbed to her injuries a few hours later. Maria was a resident of Reriutaba, located approximately 15 kilometers from Pires Ferreira, and she is survived by two children. The incident has sparked discussions surrounding safety measures at popular tourist sites, particularly those involving natural hazards such as waterfalls.

The local community is mourning the loss of Maria, as friends and family remember her fondly. This event underscores the inherent dangers present in natural recreational areas and raises concerns about the adequacy of safety protocols to protect visitors in such environments.