A 44-year-old hiker died after falling approximately 152 meters from a rock formation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Caio Rocha Aguiar Arrabal climbed onto the top of the Pedra do Macaco rock on the trail in the Maricá district to take a photo before his fatal descent. The fall was captured on video, which also recorded the distressed warnings of a fellow hiker as he attempted to descend.

Emergency responders described the rescue operation as complex, lasting around four hours due to the difficult terrain and dense vegetation surrounding the site. Matheus Moura, a representative from the Maricá Civil Defence, noted the challenging access to reach Mr. Arrabal. Despite prompt rescue efforts, Mr. Arrabal was declared dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the fall.

The Pedra do Macaco trail is a popular hiking destination known for its scenic views of the surrounding lagoons and generally takes about 40 minutes to climb. Visitors frequently climb onto the exposed rock at the summit for photographs, but the area has been the location of previous accidents.

According to reports, Mr. Arrabal was acting as a guide for a group on the trail; however, he was not licensed to do so. It was during his attempt to descend from the opposite side of the rock—considered the wrong and more dangerous route—that the accident occurred. The incident has raised questions about safety practices and the regulation of guiding services in the area.