Overview

• Human remains were found in a remote valley of Floresta da Tijuca near the Horto after local woodsmen followed a stream with an unusual taste.
• Investigators recovered a brown bag and a credit card in Denis Kopanev’s name beside the remains, alongside a health-tracking ring tied to his movements.
• Data from the ring show continuous movement until about 10:30 p.m. on June 9 followed by an abrupt stop and a heart-rate decline overnight consistent with possible hypothermia, according to police.
• The working hypothesis is an accident or medical event on night trails, with no immediate evidence of foul play and witness reports of drug use earlier that day noted as a potential factor.
• Access to the site was difficult and earlier searches with drones, dogs, and a helicopter failed to locate the area, while police now also examine a scenario that includes a possible fall near a large rock.