Missing American found dead at the base of a waterfall after being swept away by the current while hiking in Brazil
- Florida resident Raul Jimenez was found dead by a waterfall in Brazil on Wednesday after being reported missing on Saturday
- The 30-year-old was walking through rocks when the water level suddenly rose, dragging him downstream
- A search-and-rescue military unit found Jimenez’s body at the bottom of the water in Chapada dos Veadeiro National Park
A search and rescue team has recovered the body of an American who disappeared after a flash flood in the central Brazilian state of Goiás.
Raul Jimenez, 30, was found Wednesday at the base of a waterfall in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, the fire department said.
Jimenez, from Delray Beach, Fla., was on vacation with two friends and went for a hike on Saturday.
According to a GoFundMe account set up for Jimenez, “The water began to rise around the group and within minutes was going from where they could walk waist-deep on rocks. Shortly thereafter the water became shoulder deep and Raul was swept away.’
Raul Jimenez of Delray Beach, Florida, was found dead at a waterfall in Brazil on Wednesday. The 30-year-old disappeared while hiking on Saturday after being swept away by a flash flood
Still from video showing the rising water level at a waterfall in Brazil, where an American identified as Raul Jimenez was swept away on Saturday and found dead on Wednesday
Friends held a vigil in recent days after Raul Jimenez, of Delray Beach, Fla., went missing after being swept away by flash floods while hiking in Brazil
Giselle Real told TV Anhaguera earlier this week that the waterfall in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park was “calm” when it suddenly gained strength.
“Raul tried to grab the bag but the water never stopped,” Real said. “Stronger, more water. Raul went with the water…’
Firefighters rescued a person stranded after Jimenez was swept away.
A military unit specializing in flood search and rescue was deployed Monday, leading the operation to locate Jimenez.
At least $35,000 was raised through a GoFundMe account to help repatriate his body to the United States.
Several touching tributes on social media honored Jimenez after news of his death was confirmed.
Raul Jimenez plays the flute at a spiritual ceremony. The 30-year-old was found dead on Wednesday by a search and rescue team deployed in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil, after he went missing while hiking at a waterfall on Saturday
Florida resident Raul Jimenez was found dead at the base of a waterfall in Brazil on Wednesday, four days after he was reported missing
“Thank you for letting your light shine into this world. Share your magic and your medicine wherever you went,” Ananda Leigh wrote on Instagram along with a photo of her and her husband with Jimenez at their wedding in 2020.
“Your smile lit up the room. With the sweetest hugs and loving soul,” she added. “You will always be in our hearts, dear brother. I’m lucky to have a lot of special memories, playing together, praying, singing, being silly, loving life.”
Grant Kellogg recalled that Jimenez was present at a spiritual ceremony and how much he enjoyed watching him play the flute.
“His presence made me feel loved, seen and valued,” Kellogg wrote on his Facebook page. “Thank you for your effect on me. Godd bless you.’