An experienced pilot and a US tourist were killed when their hang glider plunged from the sky into the sea during a tandem flight off a packed beach.
The pair managed to deploy an emergency parachute, but not soon enough to avoid disaster at the Praia de Sao Conrado beach, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 21st February.
Instructor Rodolfo Pascoal Ladeira and passenger Jenny Colon Rodriguez were airborne when the hang glider came down in the water near the designated landing area, according to the Fire Department.
Emergency crews launched a major rescue operation after the alarm was raised, deploying helicopters, jet skis and maritime units to the scene. A passing leisure boat also assisted in pulling the pair from the sea.
Rodolfo was brought ashore but was already dead.
Jenny was rescued alive and taken in a serious condition to the Municipal Hospital Miguel Couto, in Gavea, where she later died.
Rescuers carried out cardiac manoeuvres on the victims at the water’s edge as emergency teams worked around them.
Jenny Colon Rodriguez poses in undated photo. She died after a hang glider crashed into the sea in Rio, Brazil. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash)
Witnesses told local media that an emergency parachute was activated before impact but did not deploy in time to reduce the force of the crash. The cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed.
The Sao Conrado Free Flight Club confirmed the deaths in a statement and announced that activities would be suspended for three days. The club said the reasons for the crash are being investigated and that it is awaiting recovery of the remaining equipment from the sea for technical analysis.
Jenny, 36, lived in the US State of North Carolina and had arrived in Brazil for holiday for her first visit to the country, accompanied by her sister and friends.
She was due to return home the day after the accident.
Rodolfo Pascoal Ladeira poses in undated photo. He died after falling into the sea in Rio, Brazil. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash)
Jenny was known for her good humour and love of travel. Family members say she loved to explore new countries and enjoyed playing football.
According to the Brazilian Confederation of Free Flight, Rodolfo had 16 years of experience in the sport, with more than 350 take-offs from around 50 different launch sites.
He had competed in several paragliding championships and also held a licence to fly hang gliders.
His funeral took place on 22nd February at the Penitencia Cemetery, in the Caju area of Rio de Janeiro.
(Aloysius Fernandes /Newsflash)