A vacation in Montenegro turned tragic for 19-year-old Tijana Radonjic, whose final moments were captured in a scene that has left both locals and tourists shaken. Her name is now at the center of a disturbing investigation as questions mount about what led to the harrowing accident that took her life.

According to the New York Post, Radonjic, a Serbian tourist, fell more than 160 feet into the Adriatic Sea after unbuckling her harness during a parasailing flight in Budva last Wednesday. Reports indicate she was visibly distressed and frantically attempted to free herself from safety restraints just seconds before her fatal plunge.

Eyewitness accounts and chilling footage have fueled intense scrutiny of parasailing safety, company responsibility, and the emotional state that led Radonjic to take such drastic action. The tragedy has prompted local authorities and the parasailing industry to re-examine their protocols as the investigation continues.

Panic in midair prompts disaster

Witnesses on the crowded Budva beach were startled by Tijana Radonjic’s desperate cries for help as she soared above the Adriatic. Many said they heard her shouting, “Put me down,” moments before she slipped free from her harness, tumbling upside down and out of sight. Some observers speculated she had suffered a panic attack, but the reason for her distress remains unclear.

Local media outlets published disturbing footage showing Radonjic, clad in a bikini and life jacket, struggling to unclip her safety restraints mid-flight. The video, circulated widely on social media, shows her tearing at her life jacket and unbuckling herself before plummeting from the parasail. The incident unraveled within seconds, leaving onlookers in shock.

Immediately after the fall, lifeguards and emergency responders rushed to recover Radonjic’s body from the water. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene, and her family—vacationing with her—was left devastated by the loss.

Questions surround company and training

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident and the practices of the parasailing company involved. The company’s owner, Mirko Krdzic, told local reporters he was stunned, claiming all equipment had been technically inspected and that Radonjic had undergone the required training before the flight.

"We are all in shock after the accident that happened … I do not know exactly what happened,” Mirko Krdzic, the owner of the company, told the outlet. “She did not show any fear of flying. She underwent training, after which the tragedy followed. Technical inspections of the equipment are currently in progress, and authorities are still waiting for the autopsy results.

Regulators in Montenegro have launched a review of all parasailing gear and safety procedures. The investigation focuses not only on equipment reliability but also on whether participants are mentally prepared for high-altitude water sports.

Some critics believe operators should take additional safety measures for beginners and younger customers. Others note that even with training, unexpected fear or panic during flight can quickly escalate a standard ride into a dangerous situation.

Grieving family and wider impact

Family members of Tijana Radonjic have refrained from public comment, but their grief has been echoed by many in Serbia and Montenegro, where the story has gripped the public. The incident has also prompted a wave of concern among tourists and locals who frequent the beaches of Budva, a popular destination on the Adriatic coast.

In the days following the tragedy, social media users debated the risks and responsibilities of extreme sports operators. Some expressed outrage, demanding stricter oversight, while others extended condolences to Radonjic’s family, emphasizing the need for personal caution in adventure sports.

The fallout has put renewed pressure on Montenegro’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on activities like parasailing to attract visitors. Industry insiders worry that negative publicity could impact bookings, while consumer advocates insist that transparency and safety improvements must take priority.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

Though extreme sports offer thrilling experiences, this story is a sobering reminder that safety should always come first, especially when physical and emotional comfort is at risk. Here are three takeaways that may help prevent future tragedies:

1. Know your mental readiness: Experiencing serious anxiety or panic in high-altitude situations is more common than people assume. Participants should reflect honestly upon their comfort levels with heights and exposure before taking part in such activities. Even those who are curious should not feel pressured into doing something that feels overwhelming.

2. Question and understand safety equipment: Participants must receive thorough instructions and demonstrations on how harnesses and equipment function. If you feel unsure after training, it’s vital to ask additional questions before ascending. Don't hesitate to speak up, even if it causes delays.

3. Know emergency protocols and don’t blame victims: Tour operators must have clear, rehearsed strategies for dealing with panic midair. While safety measures can decrease risk, tragedies can still occur. No one should ever blame a victim for an unexpected psychological or emotional response under stress.

Why This Story Matters

This incident highlights critical gaps in adventure tourism practices, especially regarding mental preparedness and emergency protocol. Communities that rely on tourism must balance profit with proper oversight and participant well-being. Tijana Radonjic’s death is a tragic case that sparks broader questions about supervision, parasailing safety, and the psychological risks tied to thrill-seeking experiences. Her story is not just a warning—it’s a call to action for operators, regulators, and tourists alike.

Conclusion

On May 28, Tijana Radonjic, a 19-year-old Serbian woman, tragically died while parasailing in Budva, Montenegro, after unbuckling her harness mid-flight and falling over 160 feet. She was seen in visible distress before her plunge and reportedly screamed to be brought down. The parasailing company said she had completed a training session and showed no signs of fear beforehand. An investigation is ongoing, including a technical equipment check and an autopsy to uncover further details. The motive behind her actions remains unclear, but some have suggested she may have suffered a panic attack.