Share and Follow
A grieving couple has faced a wave of harsh criticism after their enthusiastic child ran ahead during a family holiday and tragically fell from a towering cliff.
Last Thursday, Bianca Zanella and her family were vacationing when their 11-year-old daughter hurried away from her father and fell down Fortaleza Canyon, located in Cambará do Sul, a city in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. She died instantly from the fall.
The parents, along with Bianca’s two younger brothers, returned to Curitibá in the nearby state of Paraná on Friday. The girl’s body was brought back the following day for wake and burial services.
Carolina dos Santos, who is representing the family, called on the public to support the grieving parents instead of blaming them for their daughter’s death.
Zanella had Autism Spectrum Disorder levels two to three.
‘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 said during a press conference Saturday at the funeral home.
‘It is very easy for public opinion to judge a family, a family that wanted to give Bianca a dignified and inclusive life. May Brazilian society understand that people with disabilities have the right to have a dignified life.’
Zanella’s parents, whose names have not been released by authorities, have yet to publicly comment on the tragic incident and will not be planning on doing so, the lawyer said.
Bianca Zanella was laid to rest Saturday in Curitiba, Brazil. The 11-year-old, who was diagnosed with autism, fell into Fortaleza Canyon and died last Thursday. A lawyer for her parents is asking the public to refrain from criticizing them
Authorities shut down access to Fortaleza Canyon at Serra Geral National Park on Friday as part of an investigation related to the deadly fall of 11-year-old Bianca Bernardon Zanella on Thursday
‘[The incident] is being investigated by the authorities and the family has already provided all necessary clarifications,’ dos Santos said.
‘At this time, the family is mourning Bianca and needs respect.’
The family-of-five were preparing to return to the base of Fortaleza Canyon – the largest in Brazil – when tragedy struck.
Zanella’s told the Cambará do Sul police that his wife was escorted their two sons, ages 5 and 9, to a snack bar while he stood behind with the girl in an area of the canyon that is considered its highest point.
They were about to sit on a bench when Zanella ran off while her father was not looking. He attempted to stop her before she fell from the edge of the cliff around 1pm local time.
Bianca Bernardon Zanella died after falling off a cliff at Fortaleza Canyon in Cambará do Sul, Brazil on Thursday. The 11-year-old, who was diagnosed with autism, reportedly ran from a bench where her parents were about to sit and was chased by her father, who was unable to prevent her fall
A search and rescue teams spent at least six hours searching for Bianca Zanella before they found her body at 11 pm local time
First responders launched a rescue mission and located Zanella’s body around 5:30 pm.
However, a helicopter operation to reach the young girl was called off due to fog and bad weather at the canyon.
Firefighters rappelled into the mountain in a mission and found Zanella dead at around 11pm.
”The family is completely devastated, as you can imagine. They are a family absolutely devoted to their daughter and children,’ dos Santos said.
‘A family that fought for Bianca, fought for health, treatment, education, and a life of inclusion, dignity, and happiness for Bianca.’
