A 26-year-old British influencer fell to his death from the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge in Talavera de la Reina, Spain on Sunday, October 13, 2024, while reportedly attempting to create social media content. Law enforcement officials have not yet released the identity of the victim.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred early in the morning. The man fell from a height of 130-160 feet and was accompanied by a fellow Briton, aged 24, who remained uninjured but was in a state of shock and unable to speak after witnessing the accident. Neither man was wearing safety gear.
The pair had allegedly traveled to Talavera de la Reina, located about 70 miles southwest of Madrid, to scale the bridge to film videos for their social media platforms. Talavera city councilor Macarena Muñoz conveyed her condolences, describing the situation as unfortunate. She highlighted that climbing the bridge is strictly forbidden, noting that authorities have repeatedly warned against such actions under any circumstances.
The Castilla-La Mancha Bridge, opened in 2011, stands 630 feet tall and is Spain’s highest bridge. It is a common attraction for thrill-seekers and content creators. With its 152 wire ropes, the bridge offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and spans the Tagus River, an area that has become popular among influencers for its photogenic appeal.
Emergency services, including local and national police, the fire department, and paramedics, were dispatched to the scene shortly after 7 a.m. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. According to local reports, recent heavy rainfall might have made the bridge’s surface slippery, which could have contributed to the accident.
A spokesperson for the Spanish National Police confirmed that the 24-year-old companion was questioned but has not been charged, adding, “The younger man was in a state of shock initially and couldn’t even speak.”
This is not the first time someone has attempted to climb the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge. A similar incident occurred in 2016 when two individuals climbed the structure and faced investigations from the Public Prosecutor’s office.