URGENT UPDATE: Nearly nine months after the tragic death of Tijana Radonjic, a 19-year-old who died during a parasailing accident in Budva, authorities have confirmed that no one will face criminal charges. The Kotor District Prosecutor’s Office announced this decision, stating there is insufficient evidence to hold the operators or crew accountable for any serious crime.
This decision is particularly significant as it raises serious questions about safety regulations for adventure tourism in Montenegro. The family of the deceased is contesting this ruling, claiming it disregards crucial evidence, including key video footage that allegedly shows a prolonged struggle of Tijana before her fall.
The tragic accident occurred on May 28, 2025, around 11:00 AM, when Tijana participated in a promotional parasailing flight organized by Jet Sky Budva. The flight began near Slovenska Plaza and headed toward the open sea. Witnesses report that Tijana began to panic, waving and calling for help before she unbuckled her life jacket and fell from an estimated height of 50 to 70 meters.
According to an autopsy report from the Clinical Center of Montenegro, her death was attributed to drowning and respiratory distress caused by inhaling blood. The video footage from the parasailing camera, lasting nearly 25 minutes, is a key piece of evidence that the family believes contradicts the prosecutor’s findings.
Mirko Bogicevic, a lawyer representing Tijana’s family, argues that the video clearly shows Tijana in distress for two minutes and 25 seconds, desperately signaling for the ride to stop. However, the prosecutor’s office claims the footage does not indicate equipment failure or negligence on the part of the crew, stating that Tijana’s actions led to her fall.
The discrepancies in testimonies from the crew members have further complicated the investigation. While one crew member claimed he attempted to lower the parachute upon seeing Tijana unfasten her harness, another stated they were unaware of her fall until it was too late. This conflicting information raises concerns about the crew’s response time, with reports indicating that they did not realize Tijana was missing for an alarming seven minutes.
The report from maritime expert Grujica Dudic highlighted multiple safety violations in the organization of the parasailing activity. Dudic noted that the boat lacked appropriate safety certifications and lacked a direct communication system between the airborne participant and the crew. His findings suggest that the operation was poorly organized, contributing to the tragic outcome.
As the family appeals the decision to the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica, the implications of this case extend beyond their personal loss. Advocates for safety in adventure tourism are closely monitoring the proceedings, as the ruling could set a precedent for future liability in commercial activities involving increased risk.
The family and their attorney argue that the prosecutor’s dismissal of the case sends a troubling message about accountability in the face of tragedy. The ongoing struggle for justice highlights not just a legal battle but a deeply personal fight for truth regarding the circumstances surrounding Tijana Radonjic’s untimely death.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds, and as the family seeks to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
