Two people have been arrested after an ‘urban explorer’ was fatally electrocuted while locked inside a wind turbine.
Yibrán Javier Rodríguez had apparently climbed into the turbine to take photos for social media.
Moments after entering, the 22-year-old urbexer, short for an urban explorer, suffered a fatal electric shock. His friends called emergency services, claiming he had become stuck and that the door was jammed.
But investigations later revealed the trio’s attempts to open the door had failed. Officers deduced Yibrán had actually entered through an air vent about 3m (10ft) above the ground.
The vent’s grilles had been unscrewed and then refastened, locking him inside.
The tragedy occurred at a wind farm in Quintanilla Sobresierra, in Spain’s Burgos province, on 13 June 2025.
On Tuesday (17 February), the two friends, aged 25 and 31, were arrested in the Madrid region on suspicion of manslaughter.
Yibrán, the youngest of three siblings, was cremated on 16 June in his hometown of Vigo, where he lived with his parents.
Trained in graphic arts, he loved urban photography and graffiti, worked in a pizzeria, and delivered newspapers on Saturdays – often bringing food to people sleeping rough, too.
His mother, María, told local media: “I always knew he was a good person, but those two days at the funeral home were amazing – so many people came to tell us how Yibrán had helped them.”
Yibrán began practicing urbex at 15. “He hoped to leave a photographic legacy and was planning a book of high-altitude shots here in Vigo,” said María, who often scolded him for his risky exploits.
At 18, he had reassured her: “I want to do what makes me happy. I’d rather take risks and die young than grow old without ever truly living. But I’ll be fine – and I want you to be fine too.”
Asked about the friends now in custody, María added: “It’s not fair on these boys – they’re not to blame for his death.” They also face a criminal damage charge.