Army Colonel dies in Rio de Janeiro paragliding accident

Army Colonel Álvaro Roberto Cruz Ferreira Lima died on Friday afternoon after falling from a paraglider into the sea at São Conrado Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Rescuers found him in cardiorespiratory arrest; despite receiving emergency medical attention on the sand and being transported to the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital, he did not survive.

The São Conrado Free Flight Club, of which the Colonel was a member, stated that the crash was likely caused by a kite string containing 'cerol' or 'linha chilena' (abrasive materials used on kite strings) in the flight area. The club described the incident as a ‘criminal act’ and suggested the Colonel may have acted as a shield to protect others during the encounter with the line.

A military firefighter who was off-duty and assisted in the rescue efforts also required medical attention and was taken to the hospital. The Civil Police are investigating the causes of the accident.