Warning: This article contains discussion of mental health which some readers may find distressing
A teenage influencer tragically plunged to her death while filming a parasailing promo after apparently becoming 'panicked'.
The glamorous 19-year-old model from Novi Sad, Serbia, had reportedly been hired to make a mini promo movie for a parasailing company on May 28 when disaster struck.
Advert
It is believed Tijana Radonjic had no experience of the sport and had been hired by an unnamed firm in Budva, Montenegro, to boost tourism to the region for the holiday season.
Budva is renowned for its idyllic sandy beaches with clear blue sea and a prominent nightlife, making the so-called 'Hawaii of Montenegro' a tourist hotspot.
The movie was meant to show Tijana in a bikini soaring over the Budva Riviera on a parasail that was being towed by a speed boat.
Advert
Witnesses told local news media that the teen looked relaxed when she was strapped into the safety harness, and the firm said she had been given adequate safety training.
However, disturbing footage suggests the model suffered a panic attack while she was mid-air.
Tijana could be seen ripping off her life jacket, pulling on the cables and unbuckling her safety harness, after which she tried to wriggle free of her leg straps while soaring more than 150 feet over the Adriatic.
Advert
Spectators say they could hear her panicked screams as she shouted: "Put me down! Put me down!"
Moments later, she then came loose from the canvas seat, toppled upside down and plunged head-first into the ocean.
The young woman's lifeless body was then retrieved by paramedics who took her to the marina before emergency services tragically declared she had died from the 50-metre fall.
The authorities have not ruled out that the woman had attempted to take her own life, reports The Sun.
Advert
However, Tijana's heartbroken family are now disputing the claim that she caused her own death.
Local police and safety officials are now reportedly investigating the incident.
Mirko Krdzic, the owner of the parasailing company, said: "I am sorry for the death of the young girl. I hope to meet her parents to express my condolences in person.
Advert
"We are all in shock after the accident that happened."
The owner added: "I do not know exactly what happened. She did not show any fear of flying, she underwent training, after which the tragedy followed.
"Technical inspections of all the equipment are underway, and the results of the autopsy are awaited."
Advert
Tijanoa's family and friends have also paid tribute to the teen on social media.
One relative wrote: "You were brave to try to save your young life, but unfortunately, you didn't succeed."
A lifelong friend added: "If I could choose who to spend my childhood with, I would choose you again.”
Topics: Travel, World News, Sport, Social Media, Mental Health
Liv Bridge