Tragedy Strikes as 19-Year-Old Student Falls to Death While Parasailing
A devastating incident has occurred in Montenegro, where a 19-year-old student, Tijana Radonjic, fell to her death while parasailing in the Adriatic Sea. According to reports from the Daily Mail, Radonjic, from Novi Sad, Serbia, was on holiday in Budva when the tragic accident took place.
The Daily Mail has learned that Radonjic had allegedly agreed to a free parasailing ride in exchange for a promotional video to ‘boost business with tourists for the summer holiday season’. The video was intended to show Radonjic in a bikini soaring happily over the Budva Riviera on a parasail being towed by a speed boat.
Eyewitnesses reported that Radonjic appeared happy and relaxed as she was buckled in and told how to sit in the safety harness. However, harrowing footage of the incident, which the Daily Mail has chosen not to publish, showed Radonjic becoming distressed in her parasailing seat. She was seen trying to pull herself up on the two straps on the side, before unbuckling the seatbelt and jacket.
The Daily Mail understands that horrified spectators on the beach heard Radonjic screaming "Put me down! Put me down!" just moments before the fall. Local outlet Republika reported that others heard her shout "help me".
The circumstances surrounding Radonjic’s death remain unclear, with some local news outlets reporting that she may have suffered a panic attack. Another outlet has suggested that suicide has not been ruled out, but loved ones have expressed their doubts, stating that they do not believe she would have taken her own life.
The owner of the operating tour company has stated that Radonjic appeared cheerful and in a good mood before the flight, and showed no fear of heights or flying. However, the company suspects that she may have become scared due to a perceived issue with the equipment, adding that "maybe she wasn’t aware of the height she was flying at".
The Daily Mail has obtained a statement from Radonjic’s parents, Branka and Goran, who shared a heartbreaking farewell ahead of her funeral: "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."
Police are currently investigating the incident, and technical inspections of all equipment are underway. The results of the autopsy are also awaited.
Radonjic’s aunt paid tribute to her on social media, writing: "I can’t believe I’m writing this. We should now be thinking about what bathing suits to bring, where to drink coffee while the baby sleeps, what song to sing in the car. We should have enjoyed the sun and you said to me: ‘go, rest, I’ll take care of the baby now.’ We should have celebrated graduation, not sent you off."
Friends of Radonjic in her hometown have also paid tribute to the victim, with one lifelong pal saying: "If I could choose who to spend my childhood with, I would choose you again." Another friend posted: "She was full of life, always smiling. She never cared about what others thought of her."
As reported by the Daily Mail, Radonjic had been on holiday with her aunt when she passed away. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the Daily Mail will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Daily Mail has learned that the tour company is cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident. In a statement, the company expressed their condolences, saying: "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 incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of safety measures and proper equipment checks. As the investigation continues, the Daily Mail will provide updates on the circumstances surrounding Radonjic’s death.
