Roberto Farias Thomaz, the 19-year-old who vanished on Brazil's highest southern peak during a New Year's hike, was found alive on January 5 after surviving solely on water. He jumped a 30-meter waterfall, walked over 20 km to a farm, ending a massive search involving over 100 firefighters and 300 volunteers.
Following his separation from friend Thayane Smith and a group of hikers during the descent from Pico Paraná's summit on January 1—after becoming ill—the search for Thomaz intensified, closing the state park and drawing helicopters with thermal cameras.
On January 5, around 10:30 a.m., the limping hiker, missing a shoe and his glasses, arrived at a CGH Cacatu farm in Antonina, Paraná, carrying only a backpack and water bottle. Farm security footage captured him seeking help. His sister Renata revealed he subsisted on water, avoiding food out of poison fears, and leaped a 30-meter waterfall, saying he 'just prayed and went.'
Thayane, who had faced social media backlash, expressed remorse to RPC: 'If I hadn't left him, this wouldn't have happened. It was a big lesson. I broke the rule to stick together.'
Thomaz reached Antonina Municipal Hospital lucid, with mild dehydration, bruises, and chafing. He received IV fluids and prophylaxis, staying for observation. Without glasses, he reported his body as 'full of bruises and scratches,' impairing vision. His sisters thanked searchers via social media after using it to rally support.
