Experienced mountaineer dies rappelling in Minas Gerais, Brazil

A 36-year-old experienced mountaineer and public servant died Saturday after a rappelling fall in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Daiane Marques, a long-time environmental education official, fell while rappelling down Pedra do Elefante. She was part of a project promoting women in sports climbing and was accompanied by two equally experienced friends. The cause of the fall, which occurred 93 meters from the base, is under investigation. The city of Cordeirópolis, where she worked, has declared three days of official mourning.