Tourist falls to death from 150-meter cliff while taking photo despite warnings

A tourist in his 40s died after falling from a cliff at a popular scenic spot in Brazil while trying to take a photo.

According to the New York Post and other outlets, Caio Rocha Aguiar Arrabal, 44, died after falling roughly 150 meters from near the summit of Pedra do Macaco, a tourist attraction in Maricá, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. He had climbed onto a rock to take a photo on June 30 (local time) when he lost his footing.

Local reports said he fell while climbing down from the rock after finishing his photos. Other hikers nearby had warned him of the danger, and footage captured at the time recorded their frantic cries as they witnessed the fall.

Rescue authorities who responded to the call spent about four hours on search and rescue operations. "The forest leading to the scene is very dense and the terrain is rugged, making access extremely difficult," they said, adding that crews had to use rope equipment and go through multiple procedures before reaching the site.

When rescuers arrived, Arrabal was already dead. It was his first visit to the trail.

Pedra do Macaco is known for its sweeping views of the lagoons and surrounding landscape of the Maricá area. The site has seen multiple similar accidents in the past, as many visitors attempt to climb to the edge of the rocks for photos.