A 19-year-old Serbian teenager, Tijana Radonjic, tragically fell to her death last week after reportedly panicking and unbuckling her safety harness mid-parasailing in Budva, Montenegro. A viral video shows Tijana frantically undoing her life jacket and restraints seconds before she plunged 160 feet into the Adriatic Sea.
Holiday Turned Nightmare
Tijana was on vacation with her aunt when she accepted a free parasailing ride offered by a representative on the beach. Some reports suggest she was filming a promotional video for a local tourism agency. Emergency teams responded promptly, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries.
Family Demands Investigation
Tijana’s parents, Branka and Goran, expressed deep grief, sharing, “We will never come to terms with this, nor accept that you are gone. You will remain in our hearts forever. Our bravest we love you endlessly and will be missed forever. Rest in peace and may the angels watch over you. Now you are one of them.”
Company Response and Ongoing Probe
Mirko Krdzic, the owner of the parasailing company, expressed shock and sympathy. “I do not know exactly what happened,” he said. “She did not show any fear of flying, she underwent training, after which the tragedy followed. Technical inspections of all the equipment are underway, and the results of the autopsy are awaited.”
Social Media Reaction and Calls for Safety
The viral video sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many users questioning the safety protocols and the teenager’s reaction. One comment read, “This is the type of time when you NEED a professional strapped to you. Just like they do in first time skydivers.” Another user found the panic strange, saying, “I have never seen someone undo their safety harness in a panic-stricken fear of falling. Usually they try and cling tighter.”
Others shared personal experiences of panic attacks in extreme sports. “I witnessed a guy have a panic attack right in front of me while we were waiting on top of a platform to bungee jump. He lost his mind and was very lucky not to fall off. Panic attacks are one hell of a thing,” wrote one observer.
Authorities Continue Investigation
Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Tijana’s death to determine all contributing factors.