Quick Read
- Tijana Radonjic, 19, a Serbian model, died in a parasailing accident in Budva, Montenegro.
- She reportedly unbuckled her safety harness mid-air after panicking during the flight.
- Witnesses heard her screaming for help before falling over 160 feet into the Adriatic Sea.
- Authorities are investigating the incident and inspecting the equipment for faults.
- The tragedy has sparked discussions about parasailing safety and mental health.
The serene coastal town of Budva, Montenegro, turned into the site of a tragic accident on May 30, 2025, when 19-year-old Serbian model Tijana Radonjic fell to her death while parasailing. The incident, which shocked onlookers and sparked an ongoing investigation, has raised serious concerns about safety protocols and mental health in adventure sports.
What happened during the parasailing accident?
Tijana Radonjic, who was vacationing in Budva, accepted a free parasailing ride offered by a local company representative on the beach. According to Kuirr, the young woman underwent a brief training session before the activity, showing no visible signs of fear. However, during the flight, she reportedly began to panic, frantically tugging at her safety harness and life jacket.
Witnesses described hearing Tijana scream “Put me down!” and “Help me!” before unbuckling her safety harness mid-air. Footage shared by Republikka shows her struggling with the restraints before falling over 160 feet into the Adriatic Sea. Her lifeless body was later recovered by emergency services. The exact trigger for her panic remains unclear, but some reports suggest she may have experienced a severe panic attack.
Who was Tijana Radonjic?
Born in Novi Sad, Serbia, Tijana Radonjic was an aspiring model with a growing presence on social media. Known for her vibrant personality and love for travel, she frequently shared lifestyle and fashion content with her followers. Friends and family have described her as “full of life” and “always smiling.”
Radonjic had been enjoying a summer getaway in Montenegro, a popular tourist destination renowned for its stunning coastline. In the days leading up to the accident, she posted cheerful photos from her trip, giving no indication of any distress. Her untimely death has left her loved ones and fans in shock.
What safety measures were in place?
Mirko Krdzic, the owner of the parasailing company involved, stated that all participants undergo training before flights. Speaking to Kuirr, he explained, “She showed no fear of flying. Everything seemed fine before we took off.” He also expressed disbelief over the incident, adding, “We are all in shock. I do not know exactly what happened.”
The company claims its equipment undergoes regular technical checks, and authorities have since launched a thorough investigation to determine if any malfunctions or lapses occurred. According to The Sun, investigators are inspecting the harnesses and seatbelts, as well as reviewing safety protocols. Autopsy results are still pending, which could shed more light on Tijana’s physical and mental state at the time of the fall.
Could the incident have been prevented?
Adventure sports like parasailing inherently carry risks, but incidents like this highlight the need for robust safety measures and psychological screening. Experts suggest that participants should be briefed on what to expect during the activity and trained to handle unexpected situations. Additionally, more attention should be given to recognizing signs of anxiety or panic before flights.
The tragic case of Tijana Radonjic has ignited discussions about mental health awareness in high-pressure activities. Panic attacks, while not uncommon, can impair judgment and lead to irrational actions, as seen in this instance. Advocates are calling for enhanced protocols to ensure participants’ mental readiness for such experiences.
How has the public reacted?
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with heartfelt tributes pouring in for Tijana on social media. Friends from her hometown shared memories of her warmth and positivity, while others expressed outrage over the circumstances of her death. “She was full of life, always smiling. She never cared about what others thought of her,” one friend posted.
Meanwhile, the parasailing community in Montenegro is grappling with the fallout from this tragedy. Many are urging stricter regulations and improved training for operators to prevent similar incidents in the future. Tourism officials have also vowed to prioritize safety inspections and promote responsible practices in adventure tourism.
Tijana Radonjic’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and mental preparedness in adventure sports. As authorities work to uncover the full details of the incident, her untimely death continues to resonate as a tragic loss.