Yahoo Lifestyle Man Dies After Slipping on Tree Branch While Trying to Jump Off Waterfall
Juan Nieto, 34, died while on a guided tour of the Tamanique Falls in El Salvador on March 11
GoFundMe
A California man has died after slipping from a tree branch while attempting to jump at a waterfall in El Salvador — and a cellphone video caught his tragic fall.
Juan Nieto, 34, was visiting the Tamanique Waterfalls on March 11 while on a guided tour of the area, according to ABC affiliate KGTV.
The San Diego-area man climbed onto a horizontal tree branch and tried to jump from the limb but slipped and then hit his head on the rocks below, the station reported.
In a video of the incident shared by KGTV, Nieto gave the camera a thumbs up before he said, “Here or never. Let’s go.”
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Nieto died instantly from his injuries, local police told the station.
Now, family members, including his brother Federico Nieto, are remembering the FedEx driver who had a passion for adventure.
“He had traveled to 22 countries,” Federico told the station. “He had done some bungee jumping, skydiving. He wasn’t afraid of heights at all.”
Nieto was days into his weeklong trip to Central America when the accident happened.
"He passed away traveling and everything. I know he passed away doing what he loved,” Federico said. “That makes me feel good, that [he] enjoyed life to the fullest."
In a GoFundMe, which has raised nearly half of its $25,000 goal, Nieto’s loved ones said they are now focusing on bringing him home and giving him a “proper burial.”
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“Junior loved unconditionally,” organizer Kati Cruz wrote. “He showed up for his family and friends. He had a passion for traveling. He was adventurous and loved creating new memories. We will remember Junior for his unique laughter. May he rest in peace.”
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