Warning: This article contains discussion of mental health which some readers may find distressing.
A young influencer tragically lost her life while filming a parasailing promotional video after reportedly becoming ‘panicked’.
The model, a 19-year-old from Novi Sad, Serbia, was hired to create a short promotional video for a parasailing company on May 28 when the tragedy occurred.
Tijana Radonjic, believed to be inexperienced in the sport, was hired by an unnamed company in Budva, Montenegro, to help attract tourists to the area for the holiday season.
Budva is famous for its stunning sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant nightlife, earning it the nickname ‘Hawaii of Montenegro’ and making it a popular tourist destination.
The video was intended to show Tijana in a bikini gliding over the Budva Riviera on a parasail being pulled by a speedboat.
According to witnesses, Tijana appeared calm when strapped into the safety harness, and the company stated she had received sufficient safety training.
However, unsettling footage indicates the model experienced a panic attack while airborne.
In the video, Tijana can be seen removing her life jacket, tugging on the cables, and unbuckling her safety harness, before attempting to free herself from the leg straps while more than 150 feet above the Adriatic Sea.
Onlookers reported hearing her frantic screams as she cried, “Put me down! Put me down!”
Shortly after, she became dislodged from the canvas seat, flipped upside down, and fell head-first into the sea.
Paramedics recovered the young woman’s body and transported her to the marina, where emergency services tragically declared her deceased following the 50-meter fall.
Authorities have not dismissed the possibility that she may have attempted to take her own life, according to The Sun.
However, Tijana’s grieving family is challenging the notion that she was responsible for her own death.
Local authorities and safety officials are conducting an investigation into the incident.
Mirko Krdzic, the owner of the parasailing company, expressed his sorrow: “I am sorry for the death of the young girl. I hope to meet her parents to express my condolences in person.
“We are all in shock after the accident that happened.”
The owner further stated: “I do not know exactly what happened. 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.”
Tijana’s family and friends have also shared tributes to the teen on social media.
One relative commented: “You were brave to try to save your young life, but unfortunately, you didn’t succeed.”
A lifelong friend added: “If I could choose who to spend my childhood with, I would choose you again.”