5 Chilling Facts About The 19-Year-Old Parasailing Tragedy That Shook Montenegro's Tourism Industry

The tragic death of 19-year-old Serbian model and social media influencer Tijana Radonjic during a parasailing excursion in Budva, Montenegro, remains one of the most chilling and controversial incidents in the region's recent tourism history. As of December 15, 2025, the case continues to draw global attention, not only because of the young victim's profile but also due to the disturbing circumstances surrounding her final moments—specifically, the allegation that she unbuckled her own safety harness mid-air.

This devastating event has cast a spotlight on the inherent risks of extreme sports, the critical importance of mental health awareness, and the stringent need for operator accountability in high-adrenaline activities. The details emerging from the investigation paint a complex picture of what truly transpired 150 feet above the stunning Adriatic Sea, prompting a necessary conversation about safety protocols worldwide.

The Life and Profile of Tijana Radonjic

Tijana Radonjic was a vibrant, up-and-coming figure in the Serbian fashion and social media scene, whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 19. Her burgeoning career and energetic personality made her death a shock to her followers and the wider public.

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• Name: Tijana Radonjic
• Age at Death: 19 years old
• Hometown: Novi Sad, Serbia
• Profession: Fashion Model and Social Media Influencer
• Parents: Branka and Goran Radonjic
• Incident Location: Budva, Montenegro
• Circumstance of Death: Fall from a parasail after reportedly unbuckling her safety harness.
• Context: She was allegedly participating in a promotional shoot for a local parasailing firm at the time of the incident.

Born and raised in Novi Sad, Tijana was known for her engaging fashion and lifestyle posts, quickly gaining traction online. Her involvement in a promotional video for the parasailing company speaks to her adventurous spirit and her commitment to her career as an influencer.

The Chilling Details of the Parasailing Tragedy in Budva

The incident occurred while Tijana was parasailing over the popular Budva coastline, a major tourist destination in Montenegro known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. The activity, often viewed as a relatively safe form of extreme sport, turned into a horrifying spectacle.

Tijana was reportedly towed aloft by a boat, reaching an estimated height of 50 meters (approximately 150 feet) above the water. At this extreme altitude, something went catastrophically wrong. Witness reports and video footage, which were later examined by authorities, indicated a sudden and frantic struggle.

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In a moment of profound distress, the young woman allegedly began pulling at her life jacket and, most critically, unbuckled her own safety harness. The unbuckling of the harness, the primary safety mechanism connecting her to the parachute rig, led to her immediate plunge from the significant height.

The fall was fatal, with the 19-year-old landing on the ground. The immediate aftermath saw local emergency services rush to the scene, but Tijana Radonjic was tragically pronounced dead. The sheer height of the fall made survival impossible.

The Unanswered Questions: Panic, Safety, and the Investigation

The central and most controversial aspect of the tragedy is the reported reason for Tijana unbuckling her harness. The prevailing theory suggests she suffered a severe panic attack while airborne. Sources indicate that her final moments may have included desperate attempts to communicate her distress, with some reports suggesting she was heard shouting "Put me down!"

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This theory has led to two major lines of inquiry and public debate:

1. The Panic Attack and Mental State

The idea of a sudden, debilitating panic attack at 150 feet raises serious questions about the psychological screening and preparation of participants in high-altitude activities. While parasailing is generally considered safe, the extreme exposure can trigger severe anxiety or claustrophobia in susceptible individuals. The fact that the safety harness was reportedly undone by the participant herself shifts the focus from equipment failure to a mental health crisis under extreme pressure.

2. Operator Accountability and Safety Protocols

Despite the focus on the victim’s actions, the investigation in Montenegro has also scrutinized the parasailing operator. Authorities are examining whether the crew followed all mandatory safety regulations. Key questions include: Were there proper pre-flight safety briefings? Was the equipment regularly inspected? And, most importantly, were there emergency procedures in place to quickly lower the parasail in the event of a passenger panic or distress signal?

Montenegro's paragliding and parasailing regulations require valid pilot certification and mandatory equipment checks, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions. The ongoing legal investigation seeks to determine if any negligence on the part of the operator contributed to the tragic outcome, or if the incident was purely a result of the victim’s unpredictable mid-air actions.

Lessons from the Tragedy: Elevating Extreme Sports Safety

The death of Tijana Radonjic serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude activities and the need for comprehensive safety measures that go beyond mere equipment checks. The incident has spurred calls for significant changes within the extreme sports tourism industry, particularly in popular tourist hubs like Budva.

The focus on the *human factor* in this parasailing accident has highlighted several critical areas for improvement:

• Enhanced Screening: Operators should implement more thorough pre-flight questionnaires to identify individuals with known anxiety disorders, severe claustrophobia, or a history of panic attacks.
• Clearer Communication: Ensuring that participants fully understand the operation of the safety harness and the critical instruction to *never* tamper with it during flight is paramount.
• Emergency Response Training: Crew members must be highly trained to recognize and respond immediately to signs of severe distress, including having the capability to rapidly and safely winch the parasail down.
• Mental Health Awareness: The tragedy underscores the need for greater mental health awareness in adrenaline-fueled tourism, acknowledging that the psychological stress of an activity can be as dangerous as mechanical failure.

The loss of the 19-year-old Serbian model is a profound tragedy that transcends the usual narrative of a tourist accident. It is a cautionary tale that has initiated a crucial global dialogue on the intersection of adventure tourism, personal well-being, and absolute safety compliance. The final findings of the Montenegro investigation will undoubtedly set new precedents for how parasailing and similar extreme sports are regulated and conducted moving forward.