Fitness Coach Drowns After Struggling To Stay Afloat Near Massive Waterfall

This 25-year-old fitness coach has drowned after finding himself unable to stay on the surface while swimming near a massive waterfall in Brazil.

The incident took place at the picturesque S’Manella waterfall, which is located in the municipality of Xanxere, in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina on Sunday morning (26th December).

Hendrick Felipe Zeni was spending some time at the waterfall on Boxing Day with some friends, who have not been named, when he swam out into the water.

Crossfit trainer Hendrick Felipe Zeni who died after drowning in December 2021 in Xanxere in Brazil. (@hendrickfz/Newsflash)

The young man started to experience difficulty between 50 and 100 metres (164 and 328 feet) from the shore and asked one of his friend for help. He was apparently finding it hard to stay on the surface due to the current.

The friend reportedly jumped into the water in a bid to save his friend but was unable to rescue him.

The same friend is said to have then tried to help the victim with a bamboo pole but firefighters said that the man was already under the water’s surface by this point.

Crossfit trainer Hendrick Felipe Zeni who died after drowning in December 2021 in Xanxere in Brazil. (@hendrickfz/Newsflash)

Divers were called in and they eventually located his body about 12 metres (39 feet) from the bank. Forensic experts were also sent to assess the body.

The fitness coach was buried yesterday (Monday 27th December).

Zeni was reportedly studying engineering and physical education, while working as a fitness coach in the nearby municipality of Chapeco.

Crossfit trainer Hendrick Felipe Zeni who died after drowning in December 2021 in Xanxere in Brazil. (@hendrickfz/Newsflash)

Water currents in rivers in which large waterfalls can be found can be deceptively strong.