Student Falls to Death After Unbuckling Harness During Parasailing Ride in Montenegro

Tijana Radonjic, 19, was on holiday in Montenegro, when she plunged into the Adriatic Sea after parasailing at a height of 50 meters

A 19-year-old student from Serbia has died in a tragic parasailing accident in Budva, Montenegro, after reportedly unclipping her safety harness mid-flight and plunging 50 meters into the Adriatic Sea.

Tijana Radonjic, a resident of Novi Sad, was on vacation with her aunt when she accepted a free parasailing ride allegedly in exchange for filming a promotional video aimed at boosting tourism for the summer season. The activity, intended to showcase Tijana soaring above the Budva Riviera in a bikini, ended in disaster.

Emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the incident last Wednesday, but she was confirmed dead at the scene.

Footage captured by bystanders showed Radonjic visibly distressed while suspended in the parasailing seat. She was seen trying to adjust herself, pulling on the side straps before unbuckling her seatbelt and life jacket. Moments later, she twisted in her harness, flipped upside down, and fell through the leg braces.

Ms Radonjic had allegedly agreed to a free parasailing ride in exchange for the video to 'boost business with tourists for the summer holiday season'

According to witnesses, Tijana was heard screaming “Put me down! Put me down!” and “Help me!” just moments before the fall. Despite initial appearances of confidence—she reportedly waved to friends on the beach and showed no signs of fear—the situation deteriorated rapidly once airborne.

The parasailing operator, who expressed deep regret over the incident, said, “She was cheerful and in a good mood before the flight. She showed no fear of heights or flying. We don't know why she unbuckled her seat belt and harness. I guess she didn’t do it consciously, but in a moment of uncontrollable fear.”

The company suspects Tijana may have panicked, possibly thinking something was wrong with the equipment. A full investigation is underway, including technical inspections of all gear and an autopsy report.

Ms Radonjic had been on holiday with her aunt when she passed away

Local reports suggested she may have suffered a panic attack, though suicide has not been ruled out. However, friends and family strongly dispute this, saying the idea is inconsistent with her personality and recent life events.

Tijana's parents, Branka and Goran, issued a heartfelt tribute 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 miss you forever. Rest in peace and may the angels watch over you. Now you are one of them.”

Her aunt, who was vacationing with her, posted an emotional message mourning the loss: “We should have been enjoying the sun, celebrating your graduation, and watching you laugh with my son. Instead, we are sending you off.”

Back home in Novi Sad, Tijana’s friends remembered her as a joyful, compassionate young woman. One friend wrote, “If I could choose who to spend my childhood with, I would choose you again.” Another added, “She was full of life, always smiling. She never cared about what others thought of her.”

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with the parasailing company cooperating fully and awaiting the results of safety checks and the coroner’s report.

Video of the fall