A hiker took one step too many while trying to capture the perfect angle for a photo and ended up plummeting 500 feet to his death.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Caio Rocha Aguiar Arrabal, 44, was on a group hike on the Pedra do Macaco trail in Maricá, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, to familiarize himself with the route. During the hike on Sunday, June 28, Arrabal mounted a rock for what became his final photo.
Tragically, the incident was captured on video, and a fellow hiker could be heard warning him to be careful near the ledge, according to UOL.
When he lost his balance and plunged toward the unforgiving surface, the hiker who expressed caution could be heard screaming.
The fatal free fall sparked a four-hour rescue operation, as first responders navigated through rugged terrain and thick vegetation to locate Arrabal.
"We had to go in through a densely wooded area with extremely difficult access to reach him," Matheus Moura of the Maricá Civil Defence said.
"We had to climb, ascend using ropes, and carry out several procedures before getting to the site."
The Pedra do Macaco trail takes around 40 minutes to climb and is about half a mile long.
Man Dies While Leading Group Hike
Arrabal was leading the group's exploration, despite not being a licensed tour guide.
Military police said Mr Arrabal was 492ft (149.96m) high when he fell, reported by The Sun.
"Despite the efforts employed by the firefighters, the victim did not survive the injuries and death was confirmed," emergency services told local outlet UOL in a translated statement.
Tair Arrabal shared a tribute to his brother on Instagram.
"Our "Rock" now rests in the arms of the Eternal Rock, our Lord Jesus," the translated post read.
"My brother, Caio, passed away today following an accident while doing what he loved. Hiking in his beloved Lakes Region (Região dos Lagos) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I ask for prayers for the parents, children, family, and friends of my dear brother. I love you, my brother. We will see each other soon in the New Jerusalem."
